Episode 153 – David and Goliath Pt 2: A Tale of 2 Shepherds
Key Passage(s): 1 Samuel 9:1-4; 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Samuel 17:32-36
Before there was David and Goliath, there was David and Saul. The literary design of 1 Samuel reveals a tale of two shepherds that clash at the intersection with Goliath. One shepherd is fearful. The other is faithful. One backs down. The other steps up. One is rejected by God. The other is anointed by God. By the end of this episode, you’ll see how the writer of 1 Samuel was dropping hints about the difference between David and Saul, and more importantly, you’ll know what it takes to reflect the heart of God.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from this David and Goliath teaching?
- Even though David is anointed to be king, he remains a servant, both to his father and to Saul. What does it look like for you to be a servant to those you are meant to lead? (Be specific.)
- Reflect and respond to this quote: “Some of our greatest development occurs when no one is watching.”
- What set David apart was his service, capacity (competency, courage, and character), and faith. In which of these areas do you desire greater growth, and why?
- Is there anything else you know about Saul that hints at his fear of leading God’s people? (If not, read 1 Samuel 10 and then answer the question.)
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
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Great teaching. Thanks 😊!
I found it ironic and intriguing that both Saul and David were responsible for their fathers’ animals. David protected his father’s sheep with zeal, while Saul lost his father’s donkeys and couldn’t find them. Such a telling contrast in their characters. I wonder if David is thinking about this well known story of the lost donkeys right before Saul is anointed when he’s telling him about his exploits as a shepherd before he was anointed.
It definitely makes you wonder if David even knew about this aspect of Saul’s like or not. Good comment, Libby.