1 Samuel 28:3-25 | Bible Study Questions

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read 1 Samuel 28:3-25
  2. What characters are mentioned and how are they described?
  3. What repeated words and locations are in the text? [Listen]
  4. What conflict is happening in verses 1-3?
  5. Which character from 1 Samuel makes one final appearance here in this chapter?
  6. What is promised to Saul at the end?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1. Saul consults a necromancer (someone who seeks to communicate with the dead) in chapter 28.
    1. Looking at the text, what leads him to do this?
    2. What does Saul hope to gain from the encounter?
    3. What should Saul have done instead?
  2. Did you notice any ironic things happen in 1 Samuel 28:15–25?
    1. List a few
  3. Why does God not listen to Saul? (1 Sam 28:6)
    1. Could you describe Saul's religion as "nominal" why or why not?
    2. What do you think is keeping Saul from repentance?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. Are there ways in our lives today that we seek help apart from God? (look at horoscopes, cross your fingers for good luck, etc.)
    1. When we do this, what does it say about our relationship with God?
    2. How can we trust the Lord's guidance instead?
  2. Do you ever feel like the Lord doesn't hear your prayers?
    1. How can we be sure that the Lord hears us when we pray? (Psalm 6:9, Hebrews 4:14-16)
  3. Pray in light of this passage and any applications you've made.
  4. Sing Before the Throne of God Above to God and to one another.

1 Samuel 28:3-25 | Bible Study Questions

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read 1 Samuel 28:3-25
  2. What characters are mentioned and how are they described?
  3. What repeated words and locations are in the text? [Listen]
  4. What conflict is happening in verses 1-3?
  5. Which character from 1 Samuel makes one final appearance here in this chapter?
  6. What is promised to Saul at the end?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1. Saul consults a necromancer (someone who seeks to communicate with the dead) in chapter 28.
    1. Looking at the text, what leads him to do this?
    2. What does Saul hope to gain from the encounter?
    3. What should Saul have done instead?
  2. Did you notice any ironic things happen in 1 Samuel 28:15–25?
    1. List a few
  3. Why does God not listen to Saul? (1 Sam 28:6)
    1. Could you describe Saul's religion as "nominal" why or why not?
    2. What do you think is keeping Saul from repentance?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. Are there ways in our lives today that we seek help apart from God? (look at horoscopes, cross your fingers for good luck, etc.)
    1. When we do this, what does it say about our relationship with God?
    2. How can we trust the Lord's guidance instead?
  2. Do you ever feel like the Lord doesn't hear your prayers?
    1. How can we be sure that the Lord hears us when we pray? (Psalm 6:9, Hebrews 4:14-16)
  3. Pray in light of this passage and any applications you've made.
  4. Sing Before the Throne of God Above to God and to one another.