I Introduction
Mention the majority interpretation when it comes to 1 Samuel 27 and what the implications of such an interpretation would be. Explain why the warning against backsliding, though a prominent theme of Scripture (cf. Hebrews 4, Psalm 95) is not the focus of 1 Samuel 27.
II A king who is loyal in exile
A Explain: What is the context of 1 Samuel 27? What do we learn from the chapters that come before? What do we learn in the chapters that follow? What does this show us about what the writer/narrator thinks of David’s sojourn in the land of Philistia?
B Explain: Why does David move to Gath? Does he go willingly? Is he driven into exile?
C Explain: Why does David attack the desert raiders? Is he enriching himself? Is he helping the people of Judah? Is he continuing the work of Joshua?
D Explain: Why does David deceive Achish? How would some of his contemporaries (Israelites living at the time) have understood his actions?
E Explain: David is the shrewd king who uses his exile for the good of God’s people.
III A king who conquers the land
A Explain: How do the actions of David point forward to Jesus Christ? Was Jesus shrewd during his time on earth? How can shrewdness be seen in the cross?
B Explain: What land/inheritance did Jesus conquer/merit through his perfect obedience and death on the cross? How can we share in Jesus’ reward?
C Apply: Looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ, how can we be shrewd in our loyalty to him whilst we live in enemy territory
?
IV Prayer of response
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that your King was exiled in the place of your people, that Jesus bore the wrath that our sins deserve, and that in and through his obedience, he conquered the land of the new creation, a land to which we have a claim because we belong to him and are united to him by faith. Please help us by your Spirit to live in the light of Jesus’ victory, to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. May we use the resources you’ve given to us to advance the cause of your kingdom. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.”