1 Samuel 25-31 – Hannah, Abigail, the Witch of Endor and God’s purpose in Christ

Review

Re-read Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. What are some of the key ideas she mentions in her prayer? Choose 2 of these ideas and discuss how each idea has appeared throughout the whole of 1 Samuel. (You may wish to split into two groups, spend 5 minutes looking back through 1 Samuel, and then share what you have discovered).

Read 1 Samuel 25

1. Try to explain why David is so angry in verses 1-22.

2. In this chapter, how has the Lord keep ‘his servant from doing wrong’ (verse 39)? Does this surprise you? Why, or why not?

3. Abigail is introduced to us as ‘intelligent and beautiful’ (verse 3). What particular insights does she have in her speech in verses 26-31 that relate to the kingship in Israel?

Read 1 Samuel 28

4. Since we understand Samuel to be God’s messenger (1 Samuel 3:1-21), what final message did God have for Saul? What unexpected way did God bring His message (compare Hebrews 1:1)?

5. While it may appear that the witch has magical powers, who really has control over life and death (1 Samuel 2:6; compare Matthew 17:1-4)? How has this been demonstrated so far in 1 Samuel (note also 1 Samuel 31)?

6. Kingship and power over life and death come together again in the Bible. What is the significance for us that our king, Jesus, has both of these qualities (Hint: John 10:14-18 and 17:1-2)?

Application

7. In response to his deliverance (1 Samuel 25:39), David praised God, as Hannah had done before him (1 Samuel 2:1). What about us? How often is your heart filled with praise for God?

Spend some time praying for one another now and praising God for His ‘Chosen One’, Jesus Christ, our king and saviour.