1 – In verses 1-2, what problems might be associated with building a following among the discontent? What problems might David experience being on the run with over 400 people?

2 – In verses 3-5, why would David seek sanctuary for his parents? Why in Moab? Why might the king of Moab agree? Why might Gad, the prophet, direct David to return and remain in Judah?

3 – In verses 6-10, what clues are given as to the deteriorating mental and spiritual condition of Saul? What does Doeg report? What information does he add? (verse 10) What important fact does he omit?

4 – In verses 11-15, in what ways does Saul demonstrate disrespect and contempt for the priest, Ahimelech? How does the priest demonstrate respect for the king? How does Ahimelech respond to the charges?

5 – In verses 16-19, Why does Saul condemn to death the priest and all the other priests? Ahimelech is the great great grandson of Eli. How is the prophecy of 1 Sam 2:27-33 realized in the murder of Ahimelech and his entire family? Why would Saul's guards be reluctant to obey the order to execute the priest? Why does Doeg have no such reluctance? Saul was once reluctant and unwilling to obey the Lord's command to annihilate the enemy, here he has no reluctance, but great eagerness, to murder the Lord's priests and annihilate the entire town of Nob and every living thing in it. What has happened to Saul? How?

6 – Read James 1:13. What does this tell us about unrestrained evil in our own hearts? How do we avoid a, "chain reaction," of sin in our own lives?