Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lessons 40, 41.
Analysis of Lesson 40: David and Goliath
Who did Jehovah choose to be the next king of Israel?
Jehovah chose David, Jesse’s youngest son, to be the next king of Israel. When Jesse presented six of his sons to Samuel, Samuel said that Jehovah had not chosen any of them and asked if he had any more sons. Jesse replied that his youngest son, David, was still tending the sheep. When David came in, Jehovah told Samuel, “This is the one!” Then Samuel anointed him by pouring oil on his head to be the next king of Israel.
How did David defeat Goliath?
David defeated Goliath using his sling after going to the army camp to bring food to his brothers, who were soldiers, and hearing Goliath shout, “Send a man to fight me!” Then David said, “I will fight him!” Although Saul told him he was only a boy, David replied, “The Lord will help me.”
David took his sling, chose five smooth stones, put one in his sling, ran toward Goliath, and hurled it with force. With the help of the Lord, the stone sank into Goliath's forehead and knocked him down.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah sees the heart and not just outward appearance. It also shows us that he can use humble people to accomplish great things. Furthermore, we learn that Jehovah is more powerful than any enemy, no matter how large or strong he may seem, and that he helps and strengthens those who trust in him completely.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should not judge by appearances; we should see people as Jehovah sees them. No matter how small or great a person may seem, true strength comes from Jehovah.
This account shows us that if we trust in Jehovah, we can face problems that seem as big as a “Goliath,” and with his help, we can emerge victorious. With God’s help, even someone considered small or inexperienced can accomplish great things.
From this account we learn that faith and courage based on Jehovah are stronger than any weapon or threat, no matter how formidable it may seem. Jehovah deserves our trust in difficult situations.
Analysis of Lesson 40: David and Saul
Why did Saul want to kill David?
Saul wanted to kill David because he was envious of him. David won many battles, was very famous, and people sang that he had defeated “tens of thousands,” while Saul had only defeated “thousands.” This comparison stirred Saul’s jealousy, and from then on he tried to kill him several times.
Why didn't David want to kill Saul?
David did not want to kill Saul because he respected Jehovah's anointed king. Although he had several opportunities to do so, such as when Saul was sleeping in the cave or lying down in his camp, David refused because he knew that it was Jehovah who would decide when Saul's reign would end. David trusted that Jehovah would deal with Saul at the appropriate time.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
It teaches us that Jehovah observes the conduct and attitude of the heart, not just outward actions. Jehovah is the one who appoints and removes kings, and no one can take his place by force.
From this account we learn that Jehovah protects those who are loyal, just as he protected David from Saul's attempts to kill him. Jehovah acts justly and at the right time.
What practical lessons can we learn?
The lesson we learn is that we must not let ourselves be driven by envy, because it can make us act unjustly, like Saul. We must respect authority, even when it is not perfect, just as David respected King Saul.
We can learn that we should trust Jehovah to resolve difficult problems, without taking revenge ourselves. Patience and loyalty are qualities that Jehovah values, as David demonstrated.
We learn that when we have the opportunity to do something wrong to “get revenge,” we must remember that Jehovah sees and rewards right decisions and that he will take action at the right time.
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