1 Samuel 30:1-31 | Food for Thought
1 Samuel 30:1-31
Food for Thought:
Strength When Tragedy Strikes • After being dismissed from the Philistines’ ranks, David and his men return to where they were staying in Ziklag. Upon their arrival, they find their city burned and their families taken. David’s soldiers were so bitter about their loss that they contemplated stoning David, who sought his strength from the Lord. After God affirmed David’s plans to hunt down the Amalekites, they set out on their way.
Has there been a moment in your life when you were surprised by tragedy? Can you sympathize with the soldiers who were exhausted by grief? …felt bitter and wanted blood?
The writer says that David - who was likely grieving himself - found his strength in the Lord. What does that mean? What do we see David do that might give us some idea?
What does it / would it look like for you to “find your strength in the Lord?” Does tragedy make that easier or harder for you to turn to the Lord? Why / why not?
Because of the gospel, what do we know is true about the Lord that lets us approach him when “the world is crashing down around us?”
Kindness While On a Mission • Some soldiers were too exhausted by grief (and maybe in general!) to continue their hunt for the Amalekites. David let them stay behind and rest with the supplies. Those who continued stumbled upon an Egyptian. Not knowing who he was or where he came from, they cared for him anywhere. It turned out that the Egyptian was an abandoned slave of the Amalekite raiding party who had ravaged Ziklag. Under the condition of safety, he revealed to David where the Amalekites had gone.
It’s easy when we’re “on a mission” to skip over ordinary opportunities to go out of our way to be kind. What are a couple of ways we see David show kindness here?
How does the Lord honor David’s kindness? What happens because of it?
When do you find yourself “too busy” to show kindness? Do you offer people rest when they’re weary, even if there’s a lot to do (…and do you do so cheerfully)? When is it easy for you to interpret opportunities to be kind as inconveniences that get in your way?
Is there something you think you’re lacking in those times? Does this reveal any “shifting priorities” that move around based on your circumstances? What’s most important to you in those moments?
How does the finished work of Jesus let us keep “first things first” - even when it might feel like there are bigger fish to fry? In light of the gospel’s promises, how can we live a life that loves rest and refuses to hurry others at the expense of their humanity?
Generosity After Winning (Back) Big • David and his men got their revenge on the Amalekites, retrieving all of their supplies, family members, and more. However, the soldiers who participated in the attack wanted to keep the spoils of war all to themselves, instead of sharing it with everyone - including the troops who stayed behind. David disagreed, recognizing that it was the Lord who had provided for them, and as such, the spoils belonged to all his people - whether or not they fought.
What do you think of David’s decision here? Do you think the “active duty” soldiers have a point? Why or why not?
What difference does it make whether or not their stuff was given back to them by the Lord? Why should his ownership / provision change what they do with it?
If you think about winning the lottery, do you find it easier or harder to think about being generous? Why do you think that is?
When you’ve had “extra” in our own life up to this point, do you find yourself being extra generous in any way? Or are you just as prone towards generosity as you are normally?
How can it be possible for you to be just as generous now as you might be one day or might’ve been before in different circumstances? Is generosity a matter of what you have on-hand or a matter of your heart?
How does David’s leadership here point us to the “spoils of war” that we all get freely, fully, and equally in the gospel by grace alone?
Read Ephesians 1. How has Jesus been generous to us?