1 Samuel 16:1-5

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Tells Samuel to Anoint David

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The Bible never condones lying and deceiving.

2. The Bible sometimes condones secrecy and concealment.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Remember, getting killed is not the worst thing that can happen!

QUESTIONS

1. What test did King Saul fail in 1 Samuel 15?

2. What was the consequence of Saul’s disobedience?

3. Why was Samuel afraid to go to Bethlehem?

4. What did God instruct Samuel to tell King Saul?

5. What are situational ethics?

ANSWERS

1. Saul was given one last chance to obey the Lord, but he failed to utterly destroy the Amalekites as God instructed.

2. The kingdom of Israel would be taken from him and given to a better man.

3. Because if proud and disobedient King Saul heard that Samuel had anointed his successor as king, he would have Samuel killed.

4. That he was going to Bethlehem to offer sacrifice (which he did!).

5. Situational ethics teach that it is okay to lie in time of war or if you think it is the more loving thing to do.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Discuss the Bible’s position on lying and deceiving. Consider Samuel here, the Hebrew midwives, and Rahab. The Bible teaches non-conflicting moral absolutes; to make the right choice you do not have to break one of God’s moral laws or choose the lesser of two evils. Consider the example of Jesus.

2. Discuss how creative concealment can by used in order to obey the command of the Lord. For more information, refer to Dr. Dave’s essay, An Exercise in Ethics.

CHALLENGE

1. Bringing God glory by doing the right thing is the highest priority. Remember, getting killed is not the worst thing that can happen!

KEY VERSES

• “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.” 1 Samuel 16:1