Frequently Asked Questions About the Old Testament
Session 13 – 1 Samuel 16-31; 2 Samuel 1-6
Does God’s Spirit leave people today as he left Saul (1 Samuel 16:14)?
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is described as coming upon an individual (for example, 10:9-10; 16:13), filling a person for service (Exodus 31:3; 35:31) or being in someone (Numbers 27:18; Daniel 4:8). But the presence or absence of the Spirit had nothing to do with salvation. Rather, the presence of the Spirit in the Old Testament indicated only that a person was empowered for service. Since Saul repeatedly acted arrogantly and independently of the Lord, the Spirit left him to his own devices (15:26). Today, the Spirit dwells in everyone who believes in Christ.
–The Quest Study Bible
How can an evil spirit be "from the Lord” (16:14)?
This statement and similar ones in Scripture indicate that evil spirits are subject to God’s control and operate only within divinely determined boundaries (see Judges 9:23; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Job 1:12; 2:6; compare 2 Samuel 24:1 with 1 Chronicles 21:1). Saul’s disobedience continued to be punished by the assaults of an evil spirit (vv. 15-16, 23; 18:10; 19:9). Saul’s increasing tendencies to despondency, jealousy and violence were no doubt occasioned by his knowledge of his rejection as king (see 13:13-14; 15:22-26; 18:9; 20:30-33; 22:16-18) and his awareness of David’s growing popularity, but an evil spirit was also involved in these psychological aberrations (see 18:10-12; 19:9-10).
–The NIV Bible Study Notes
Why didn’t Saul recognize David (1 Samuel 17:55, 58 in light of 1 Samuel 16:14-23)?
The seeming contradiction between 17:55-58 and 16:14-23 may be resolved by noting that prior to this time David was not a permanent resident at Saul’s court (see v. 15; 18:2), so that Saul’s knowledge of David and his family may have been minimal. Further, Saul may have been so incredulous at David’s courage that he was wondering if his family background and social standing might explain his extraordinary conduct.
–The NIV Bible Study Notes
Why did David–a man after God’s own heart–have an idol in his house (1 Samuel 19:13)?
Some argue that Michal, without David’s knowledge, kept it in the home. But that is not likely if it was the size suggested here. Such idols played an important role in the culture, indicating who possessed the rights and privileges as leaders of households or clans. Perhaps that is why the early Israelites did not seem concerned that these statues might suggest they were being unfaithful to the Lord. Nevertheless, it remains a mystery why David could have permitted an idol in his own home.
–The Quest Study Bible
What is a “New Moon festival" (1 Samuel 20:5)?
The Hebrew month began with the new moon, and on this day each month the people dedicated the day to the worship of the Lord. Although this day was similar to the Sabbath, there was a greater sense of celebration and joy. There was to be no mourning and no fasting on this day. And the various offerings (Numbers 28:11-15) dedicated to this day were greater in number and quality than those for the Sabbath.
–Don Porter
How did Jonathan help David "find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16)?
The terminology used here depicts Jonathan as a minister of encouragement to his fearful friend David–one who offers support in the face of a special undertaking. Jonathan’s very presence must have lifted David’s spirit. Beyond that, there was Jonathan’s certainty about God’s will for the future; his own resolve to defer to David, and his admission that even Saul, despite his stubborn resistance, knew what God had planned.
–The Quest Study Bible
Why did David feel so guilty about merely cutting off a corner of Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:5)?
Out of respect for Saul’s divine anointing, and therefore not willing to kill him, but at the same time wanting to let him know that he was not in control of his own destiny, David crept up behind him “unnoticed.” In cutting off the corner of Saul’s robe, David may have been symbolically depriving Saul of his royal authority and transferring it to himself (cf. v. 11). That David was “conscience-stricken,” for what he had done is to be understood as recognition on his part that he had sinned (cf. 2 Samuel 24:10). Using a solemn oath, David–himself also the Lord’s anointed–affirms to his men that he will never do harm to his master Saul, who is “the Lord’s anointed" (used seven times in chapters 24 and 26).
–The New International Bible Commentary
Why did David still call Saul "the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:9)?
Saul’s royal office carried with it divine sanction by virtue of his anointing. The designation “the Lord’s anointed” is used interchangeably in the books of Samuel for “the king” (see 1 Samuel 2:10). David, no doubt, used “the Lord’s anointed” in this fashion, maintaining his high regard for the office, in spite of the man who held it.
–The Quest Study Bible
Why did David and his men mourn their enemy’s demise (2 Samuel 1:12)?
David and his men mourned the death of Saul and Jonathan because (1) Jonathan was David’s close friend; (2) Saul, although corrupt, was nonetheless their king; (3) the death of even a corrupt king meant politically difficult times for Israel and (4) the deaths came from another humiliating defeat at the hands of the Philistines.
–The Quest Study Bible
What kind of love was better than the love of women (2 Samuel 1:26)?
Some have used the biblical language describing the relationship between David and Jonathan to argue that they had a homosexual relationship. This conclusion simply cannot be supported by the language or by a serious study of the Bible. David’s statement that Jonathan’s “love” for him was “more wonderful than that of women” should be understood to have covenantal connotations (i.e., covenantal/political loyalty; translated “friendship” in Psalm 109:4-5). This is certainly the nature of relationships that God longs for his people in the church–a deep, committed love for one another that strengthens our faithfulness to God!
–Don Porter
Why did David execute those who helped him win the throne (2 Samuel 4:12)?
David showed his disfavor for the king’s murderers and thus gained the respect of those loyal to the king. But political gain was not likely his primary motivation. Time and again, David demonstrated deep regard for God’s sovereignty. He knew that God had delivered him in the past and would deliver him now. David didn’t need any self-appointed vigilantes taking matters into their own hands.
–The Quest Study Bible
