Holy War

1 Samuel 15:1-3 (ESV)
And Samuel said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the Lord. 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Read 1 Samuel 15:1-3. What stands out to you? What are your initial thoughts on
   the passage?
2. What is your experience with this passage, and ones similar to it? Do you
   struggle with how God is portrayed? Have passages like this ever caused you to
   question the God we worship and serve?
3. Have you ever found yourself comparing the Old Testament God with the New
   Testament God? Do you find yourself avoiding the Old Testament in your
   personal reading and studying?
4. Where do you see the Gospel in this passage?