Lesson #22

1SAMUEL 22
Lesson #22
CAVE EXPERIENCES

• Memory Verse: Psa 57:1
• David, in his flight for safety from King Saul, has made some wrong decisions and sunk into the depths of depression.
• We find him in a cave. The cave is a symbolic place of no hope, no comfort, and no more crutches.
• Read Psalms 142
• Notice the depths of David’s negative cry of despair into which David has sunk.
• However, upon close examination, there are glimpses of faith. What are they?
• David is aware that God knows his path (3).
• David declares, “Thou art my refuge and provision.” (5)
• What motive does David give for desiring God’s blessing?
• His motive is that he and those around him will have a reason to praise God. (7)
• Read 1Sam 22:1-2 An illustration of sinners coming to Christ
• The word, “captain” means = he discipled them.
• We see the change in David’s situation come when he was hurt enough to admit he needed help and humble enough to learn from God.
• Read Psa 57:1-5 Prayer for Deliverance
• All troubles are only temporary. (1)
• “Selah” = this is a musical pause which was used for emphasis. (3)
• In other words, it means that we should pay special attention to the phrase immediately before the word, Selah.
• Mercy and truth
• David knows that God will not only spare him, but that He will see that he is vindicated.
• Lions (4) = Satan (1Pet 5:8)
• Read Psa 57:6-11 Trouble gives way to praise.
• David makes a determination of his will to praise God in the middle of trouble.
• His heart is fixed. (7)
• This is a key to victory in life that will see you through any depth of trouble.
• David said this when he was alone. (9)
• What motive does David give for desiring God’s blessing?
• David wanted that God would be exalted. (11)
• Read 1Sam 22:1-23
• David made a stronghold or fortress out of the cave.(1-2)
• David made safety provisions for his parents (3-4)
• Gad:
• He was a prophet of God that David had at court later when he became the king. (2Sam 24:11)
• Meanwhile, back in the palace:
• Saul’s information about David—The pity party:
• =1= The army was with him.
• =2= David was giving favors to those who would follow him.
• =3= David’s friendship with Jonathan.
• =4= David’s dealings with Ahimelech.
• The showbread and the sword.
• Saul’s rationalization:
• Saul rationalized the situation with the story that David was after him rather than the fact that Saul was hunting David. (8, 13)
• Saul’s sin of murder:
• The name, Abiathar, means = father of excellence or abundance.
• This man was the only son of Ahimelech to survive Saul’s slaughter of the priests. He and Zadok became David’s high priests later.
• He remained faithful to David until the controversy of who would succeed David as king, Adonijah or Solomon. Zadok supported Solomon while Abiathar supported Adonijah. Solomon removed Abiathar as high priest in favor of Zadok. (1Kin 2:26-27)
• See the prophecy given to Eli (1Sam 2:31-33)
• Read Psa 52 The Treacherous Tongue
• This is a Psalm about Doeg.
• What are the characteristics of an evil tongue?
• It manipulates (2) and devises mischief.
• It cuts (2)
• It loves evil (3)
• It loves lying (3)
• It loves words that destroy and devour. (4)
• It is deceitful (4)
• Read James 3:1-12
• The tongue is the last member of the body yielded to God.
• Notice the role of tongues in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost where the tongue was given over to the control of the Holy Spirit.
• Summary:
• Praise God in times of trouble (Psa 142, Psa 52, Psa 57).
• Watch your tongue in times of trouble, especially when surrounded by enemies.
• The temptation will be to vindicate yourself with your tongue.

HOMEWORK
1SAMUEL 23
This is a self-study. Please do not send homework answers to the teacher forcorrection.

• Application of 1Sam 22
• If you are currently walking through a cave experience, what are some specific things that you can do this week to follow a Godly response?

• Preparation for 1Sam 23
• Read 1Sam 23:1-15
• What are the dangers and problems?
• Read 1Sam 23:16-18
• Jonathan strengthened David in the Lord. Specifically how does one do that?
• Read 1Sam 23:19-29
• Read Psa 54
• List the ways in which David’s experience parallels Jesus’ experience.

• Memory Verse: Psalms 54:4