This week we will finish up our Fall Class with some concluding thoughts on Christian Apologetics by looking at how Wes Huff answers some very important “rapid fire” apologetics questions. We will also finish our current Bible study with the book of 1 Samuel, chapters 29-31. Stay tuned for upcoming classes where we will continue our study through the Old Testament, with the book of 2 Samuel (the cliff hanger is here at the end of 1 Samuel)!

Defending our faith and developing a Biblical worldview based on our understanding of God’s Word takes time and practice, and must be part of a lifetime commitment we make to the LORD. It should form our purpose and identity in everyday life as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, modeling Him to our family, friends and neighbors. As Christians, it is more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then apply that to who we are on a consistent basis, and this can only be done if we know Jesus and what His Word teaches.

All class sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, a presentation, and a Bible study section. You will find the presentation overview and Bible study questions below. Basic answers to the Bible study will be also be posted below for your review and, or as a leader’s guide.

Presentation

APOLOGETICS BLUEPRINT

Session Nine – Some Concluding Apologetics’ Thoughts and 1 Samuel chapters 29-31

REVIEW AND DISCUSS

At your table groups, do the following:

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

Discuss:

What are some important take-aways from last week’s presentation on “Who is Jesus (according to other religions).”
Recite the memory verse from Genesis 3:15. Why it is an important foundational verse?

Genesis 3:15 Promise
(begins the Scarlet Thread)

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)

From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible is all about Jesus!

Watch Wes Huff answer these questions…

Bible Study

Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

REFLECT AND PRACTICE

1. Review and discuss this evening’s presentation. Do you have any questions or comments?

Bible Study Practice:

2. Read and discuss chapters 29-31 in the book of 1 Samuel.

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 29:

What was the interaction between the Philistine commanders and Achish because of David and his men being part of their army, and what was the result?
What then was the interaction between Achish and David, and what was the result?

Chapter 30:

What had happened while David and his men were gone from Ziklag, and who did it?
What did David and his men do in response to this action, and what did David specifically do? *Write out the key verse here that shows how David got his strength to continue: 30:6b
How did David defeat the Amalekites, who helped him and how do we see God’s hand in this (concerning the things that were recovered)?
Why did 200 men stay behind, what did David do to make sure they all were taken care of even though he had some opposition, and how did he use this to gain the respect of the other cities and territories?

Chapter 31:

Who died in the battle at Mount Gilboa, and how?
What did the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead do when they heard who had died?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean? (Chapters 29-31)

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)?
What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?
Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.).

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned? (Chapters 29-31)

Are there things we can apply to our lives that we learn from people in this narrative (good or bad)?

Jot down and discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 29-31

BASIC ANSWERS FOR REVIEW AND LEADER’S GUIDE FOR 1 SAMUEL CHAPTERS 29-31

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 29:

The Philistines Reject David

In this chapter we read about David’s rejection by the other Philistines leaders, they had not forgotten what David had done against their other armies, even though Achish trusted David and wanted him to go with them to war against Israel. Achish tried to promote David’s loyalty, but did not convince the other Philistine commanders, they remembered the chant of David’s people: “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousand.” So Achish told David to go back with his men to Ziklag, even though David still tried to convince him that he was worthy of his trust. The Bible does not tell us David’s true motives here, but David was always loyal to the king he was serving, and he unwillingly returned home to Ziklag.

What was the interaction between the Philistine commanders and Achish because of David and his men being part of their army, and what was the result?

See summary notes above…

What then was the interaction between Achish and David, and what was the result?

See summary notes above…

Chapter 30:

David’s Wives Are Captured

In this chapter we find David and his men returning home to Ziklag and discovering that their town had been raided by the Amalekites, burned with fire and all their women and all that they owned were taken captive (but they had killed no one). David and his men mourned, and they even wanted to stone David, but David was strengthened in the LORD, and he went to Abiathar and used the Ephod to inquire of the LORD as to what he should do. The LORD told David to pursue them, and that he would be successful, so David did, with 400 men (200 stayed behind due to exhaustion). Along the way they found an Egyptian who had been left behind by the Amalekites, and he helped them find the Amalekites and their captives.

David Defeats the Amalekites

In the second part of the chapter, we read about David’s success in defeating the Amalekites and rescuing all of their women and property safely. They also took the spoils left behind, but when they returned home, some of the 400 did not want to share with the 200. David immediately put a stop to that thinking and gave credit to the LORD, and then stated that they were to all share, and share like because those who stayed behind had kept guard. David also sent spoils to friends and elders in Judah (which would help him eventually come back and be King).

What had happened while David and his men were gone from Ziklag, and who did it?

See summary notes above…

What did David and his men do in response to this action, and what did David specifically do? *Write out the key verse here that shows how David got his strength to continue: 30:6b

See summary notes above…

30:6b “But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

How did David defeat the Amalekites, who helped him and how do we see God’s hand in this (concerning the things that were recovered)?

See summary notes above…

We see God’s hand with David because all that was taken originally was recovered without injury or death, and they even were able to take the spoils left behind that allowed David to share with all his men and friends and elders of Israel. God even provided the Egyptian to guide them to the Amalekites and the captives. Because David put God first, and inquired of Him in all he did, God’s hand guided him through this narrative.

Why did 200 men stay behind, what did David do to make sure they all were taken care of even though he had some opposition, and how did he use this to gain the respect of the other cities and territories?

See summary notes above…

Note: All of David’s actions were under God’s guidance, and ultimately all these things worked together to bring David home to Judah and his promised Kingship.

Chapter 31:

The Death of Saul

In this final chapter of 1 Samuel, we read about the death of Saul and his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Mak=lchi-shua as they fought against the Philistines (the battle in which David tried to be a part of on the side of the Philistines). When Saul was first injured, he tried to get his armor-bearer to kill him because he feared what the Philistines were going to do to him, but he would not, so Saul fell on his own sword, followed by his armor-bearer. The Philistines cut off Saul’s head and stripped his armor and sent messengers throughout the land rejoicing. They fastened his body to the wall, but when the men of Jabesh-gilead heard about this they went down and recovered Saul and his sons’ bodies, they burned them and buried their bones under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh. The book ends with them fasting for seven days (in mourning).

Who died in the battle at Mount Gilboa, and how?

See summary notes above…

What did the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead do when they heard who had died?

See summary notes above…

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean? (Chapters 29-31)

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)?

As we finish this 1 book of Samuel, we are reminded, like the Israelites of old, about God’s true nature of holiness, perfection, love and sovereignty over all things.
We see God’s justice and righteousness play out in the lives of the characters involved, and His sovereignty over all things.

What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?

We learn about accountability and consequences for not following God’s standards (Law), as in the case of Saul, and how that plays out in the lives of the people of God; in contrast with those who do put their trust in God, like David and Jonathan, and even those outside the chosen nation and main characters in the narrative, like Abigail.
We also see how obedience to God, and putting Him first in all we do, is the guiding truth for the Israelites’ success as a nation, and individual success as in the person of David.
The importance of history is to be remembered, not only by the Nation of Israel, but by all humans as our tendency is for evil, yet God gives us examples of how He blesses those who follow Him (and consequences for those who do not follow).

Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.).

Some overall pictures from this book:

Rejected King: Like David, who was God’s anointed king but rejected and persecuted by the current ruler, and who lived in enemy territory for a time – Jesus was the true, anointed king of Israel who was rejected by the religious leaders and the people.
A Savior Delivered by God’s Providence: God used unexpected means to prevent David from fight against his own people, thus pointing to God’s ultimate providence to fulfill His redemptive plan through the Nation of Israel, through King David, culminating in Jesus.
The Deliverer and Restorer: After returning to find that Ziklag had been raided, David strengthens himself in the LORD and pursues the Amalekites, defeats and recovers all that was lost. This foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate deliverer who rescues His people from the spiritual enemy and restores all things lost to sin.
Sharing the Spoils: This act by David pictures Jesus’ grace where all believers, regardless of their specific role, share equally in the victory won by Christ (salvation).
The rising of the True King: The narrative ends with the death of Saul, the failed king, foreshadowing the human/satanic end of rule on this earth. The transition from Saul to David pictures the establishment of Jesus’ perfect and eternal kingdom.
A Man After God’s Own Heart, who shows mercy: While David made mistakes, he is ultimately a picture of Jesus who relied on God first in all things, and God’s mercy shines forth to and through David to the people, pointing to the ultimate purpose of the cross of Christ where the final basis of mercy and forgiveness is fully established.

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned? (Chapters 29-31)

Are there things we can apply to our lives that we learn from people in this narrative (good or bad)?

Answers here will vary…

We can learn so many things from Saul’s failures, to David’s victories, to all of the people involved in the narrative that were given mercy and grace from God because of their trust in the LORD, like Jonathan, the priests and Abigail.

Jot down and discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 29-31

Answers here will vary…

Excited as we leave the cliffhanger in 1 Samuel and head into the book of 2 Samuel for the continued life of David (as it has just begun…)!

Join us next week as we will begin a new class to finish 2025!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15