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1 Samuel 22 · Grade 5

The Cost of a King's Fear

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Read and Think

Chapter 22 contrasts two leaders and two communities. David, hiding in the cave of Adullam, drew to himself everyone in distress, in debt, and discontented, about four hundred men. He cared for his aging parents and heeded the prophet Gad. Around God's anointed, a band of outcasts was being formed into a people.

Saul, by contrast, sat under the tamarisk tree in Gibeah with his spear, accusing his own servants of conspiracy and complaining that none was sorry for him. Doeg the Edomite exploited the moment. Ahimelech's honest defense, Who among all your servants is so faithful as David? only enraged Saul, who pronounced death on the priest and all his father's house.

When Saul commanded his guards to kill the priests of Yahweh, they would not put out their hand. Doeg did, and eighty-five priests died that day. In fighting David, Saul had become an enemy of the Lord's own servants, fulfilling the grim word spoken long ago against Eli's house. Abiathar escaped, and David took responsibility for the role his deception had played. His words to Abiathar, You will be safe with me, show the shelter God's anointed offers.

Show What You Know

  1. What kind of community formed around David?

  2. What did Saul complain about?

  3. How many priests died that day?

  4. What do David's words to Abiathar show?

Crossword

31452

Across

  1. David took his parents to the king of ____ (22:3).
  2. You will be ____ with me (22:23).
  3. The prophet who told David to go to Judah (22:5)

Down

  1. The priest who escaped and fled to David (22:20)
  2. David escaped to the ____ of Adullam (22:1).

Think About It

  1. How does God gather people in distress and form them into His people?

  2. How can fear and suspicion lead someone into terrible sin?

Memory Verse

Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. You will be safe with me.”

1 Samuel 22:23 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for keeping me safe. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How did Saul's fear lead him to fight God's servants?
  • How does David's promise of safety point to God's care?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.