Character Study: David (Part One)

Congratulations on making it into the second half of the year! God has kept us and brought us this far. May His name alone be praised. I hope your walk with Him has seen growth and progress. If at any point you have grown weary, be encouraged that God is always with you, and your latter end will be glorious.

For this month, we will be studying the character of David. There is so much to learn from his life that we will divide the study into two parts. During the first half of the month, we will focus on David's anointing as king, his triumph over Goliath, his persecution under Saul, and some of the remarkable exploits that marked the early years of his journey. In the second half, we will continue exploring his life, including his ascension to the throne and many of his achievements as king.

So, grab your Bible and study materials, and let's dive in! As always, feel free to share your comments, questions, and suggestions using the comment form.

Scripture Readings

• 1 Samuel 16 – David Anointed King
• 1 Samuel 17 – David and Goliath
• 1 Samuel 18–19 – Saul Persecutes David
• 1 Samuel 30 – David and the Amalekites

Guiding Questions

These questions are intended to serve as a guide as you study God's Word. They are not the only questions worth exploring. As you read the passages, take time to meditate on them and reflect on their meaning. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you deeper insight into the Scriptures and reveal how their lessons can help you grow into the person God created you to be, just as He shaped David for His purpose.

1. After seeing Jesse's older sons, who were tall and well-built, Samuel assumed that one of them would be God's chosen king. However, God rejected them all and reminded Samuel that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

• What lesson can we learn from God's statement, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"?

2. After all the sons present had passed before Samuel and God had chosen none of them, Jesse said the youngest, David, was tending the sheep. Samuel replied, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here."

• Why do you think David was chosen over his older brothers?
• What qualities in David's life may have made him suitable for God's purpose?

3. Goliath despised David because he was only a youth. Yet David came to the battle in the name of the Lord of Hosts, and his confidence in God gave him victory over Goliath.

• What does this chapter teach us about God's power working through unlikely people?

4. After David's victory over Goliath, Saul became increasingly jealous of him and sought to kill him. However, when David later had opportunities to take revenge on Saul, he chose instead to show mercy.

• What does David's response reveal about his character?

5. One day while David and his men were away, the Amalekites raided their camp and carried away their families and possessions. God directed David to pursue them, and he recovered everything that had been taken.

• What does "David recovered all" teach us about God's ability to restore what seems to have been lost?

6. In addition to recovering all that the enemy took away, David also gained spoils from the battle. When it came time to divide the spoil, David insisted that it be shared equally among both those who went to the battle and those who remained behind.

• What leadership qualities did David demonstrate in this chapter, and what lessons can we learn from them?