“God Provides”

 “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.” (1 Samuel 14:1)

Saul is sitting under a pomegranate tree safe and sound in Gibeah. He is protected by 600 men and a priest of Israel.

“2And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

3And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.” (1 Samuel 14:2-3)

Jonathan, like many children do, had decided to attack the Philistines, but not tell his father. Likewise, Saul is just sitting around making no decisions at all.

Jonathan’s Story

Jonathan and his armor bearer heads towards the Philistine’s garrison.

“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Jonathon is on a two man mission to sneak into the Philistine garrison. Then when in the middle of the garrison they will reveal themselves. And that is exactly what happens.

“And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.” (1 Samuel 14:13)

Saul’s Story

Saul, and the people around him hear a great noise and the Earth quaked. What they see is the Philistines attacking each other. The people of Israel who had been hiding from the Philistines now came out and chased them.

“And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.” (1 Samuel 14:24)

This causes a real problem. Old adage, “Armies travel on their stomach”. The chase is on to the point that Israel is becoming weaker the further they go. They are following the rules of Saul, slowing down in the process.

Israel’s Story

Israel is stuck in a commandment from Saul that they can not eat while chasing the Philistines. It can be argued that Saul used the lack of food to keep Israel from extending the battle too far from the safety of the camp. That may seem a reasonable decision, but it did not come from God.

Saul’s command turned a victory into a sinful nature. Struck with hunger the Israelis are now eating meat that included the blood. Eating blood was a sin. (Leviticus 17:12) Saul pitted Israel against God.

God’s Story

God revealed in Jonathan’s mind that he would protect Jonathan during the raid on the Philistines. This simple act resulted in the Philistines killing each other. This paved the way for Israel to chase them and destroying them along the way.

“And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.” (1 Samuel 14:37)

Why didn’t God respond to Saul? God didn’t have to, the result of God’s power over the Philistines was already evident. Saul had also given an order to Israel that did not come from God.

God provides what we need when we need it.

Stay Tuned…

“The Fall of Saul”

 “Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,” (1 Samuel 13:1)

Although Saul had proved himself on the battlefield he was not always in agreement with God. Saul, like Aaron, did not listen to what God has told him to do.

This begins in 1 Samuel 12.

Matthew Henry says it best,

“The invasion of the Philistines. (1-7) Saul sacrifices, He is reproved by Samuel. (8-14) The policy of the Philistines. (15-23)1-7 Saul reigned one year, and nothing particular happened; but in his second year the events recorded in this chapter took place. For above a year he gave the Philistine time to prepare for war, and to weaken and to disarm the Israelites. When men are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are often led into folly. The chief advantages of the enemies of the church are derived from the misconduct of its professed friends. When Saul at length sounded an alarm, the people, dissatisfied with his management, or terrified by the power of the enemy, did not come to him, or speedily deserted him.

8-14 Saul broke the order expressly given by Samuel, see ch. 1Sa 10:8|, as to what should be done in cases of extremity. Saul offered sacrifice without Samuel, and did it himself, though he was neither priest nor prophet. When charged with disobedience, he justified himself in what he had done, and gave no sign of repentance for it. He would have this act of disobedience pass for an instance of his prudence, and as a proof of his piety. Men destitute of inward piety, often lay great stress on the outward performances of religion. Samuel charges Saul with being an enemy to himself. Those that disobey the commandments of God, do foolishly for themselves. Sin is folly, and the greatest sinners are the greatest fools. Our disposition to obey or disobey God, will often be proved by our behaviour in things which appear small. Men see nothing but Saul’s outward act, which seems small; but God saw that he did this with unbelief and distrust of his providence, with contempt of his authority and justice, and with rebellion against the light of his own conscience. Blessed Saviour, may we never, like Saul, bring our poor offerings, or fancied peace-offerings, without looking to thy precious, thy all-sufficient sacrifice! Thou only, O Lord, canst make, or hast made, our peace in the blood of the cross.

15-23 See how politic the Philistines were when they had power; they not only prevented the people of Israel from making weapons of war, but obliged them to depend upon their enemies, even for instruments of husbandry. How impolitic Saul was, who did not, in the beginning of his reign, set himself to redress this. Want of true sense always accompanies want of grace. Sins which appear to us very little, have dangerous consequences. Miserable is a guilty, defenceless nation; much more those who are destitute of the whole armour of God.”

Stay Tuned…

“Saul Confirmed King”

 “Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.” (1 Samuel 11:1)

What a cowardly bunch! The Ark of the Covenant had been returned. Sounds like the perfect situation. Except, people are inherently weak. Politically they didn’t want to take any chances. Better safe than sorry. Right?

Nahash the Ammonite was not a fool. He realized he could take Jabesh without a fight. In fact, he was not afraid to fight.

“And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.” (1 Samuel 11:2)

Nahash is not looking to just take Jabesh, he wants all of Israel. Now Israel’s King will perform or not.

The elders of Jabesh send messengers to Saul.

“3And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.

4Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.” (1 Samuel 11:3-4)

Saul hears the people’s cries and the Spirit of God came unto Saul. Saul is angry at what Nahash said. Now he sends a message to all of Israel.

“And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.” (1 Samuel 11:7)

The message was not from Saul, but the people saw it as a message from God. They feared the wrath of God more than they feared war.

They answered Saul by sending 300,000 men plus 30,000 from Judah. Saul formed them into 3 companies. Militarily this is a common thing to do. 1 company holds the enemy in place, 1 company sweeps the enemy from the field, and 1 company acts as a reserve to go where needed. It was extremely effective.

By the next day, when the heat was hot, Saul and his army had utterly destroyed the Ammonites to the point they couldn’t travel as a pair.

The people of Israel rejoiced at Saul’s victory. Now they had a score to settle among those that rebuked Saul as King.

“12And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

13And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.” (1 Samuel 11:12-13)

Samuel once again had the people gather together and renewed the Kingdom.

“And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” (1 Samuel 11:15)

Stay Tuned…

“Saul is Anointed”

 “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” (1 Samuel 10:1)

Saul was anointed King. The shock of this had to have confused Saul. Samuel then gives Saul a prophesy that would immediately come to pass.

“2When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

3Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

4And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

5After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

6And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.” (1 Samuel 10:2-6)

The people who had known Saul before he went looking for his father’s donkeys marvel at the change in his demeanor. To them Saul was just any other guy who was tending his father’s livestock. The Holy Spirit had entered Saul and revealed things to him. Saul certainly becomes a new man. What type of man is still to be determined.

Samuel prepares to introduce the tribes of Israel to their King. Samuel calls the tribes of Israel to gather to him. When they arrive he reveals a chilling answer to their desire for a King.

“And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.” (1 Samuel 10:9)

As the tribes gather around, Samuel put them in order. The tribe of Benjamin is placed in front, and the family of Saul is placed in front of them. But Saul is nowhere to be found.

God knew exactly where Saul was. Saul was hiding in the baggage. Saul is afraid of his new found life. Saul was aware that responsibility would probably be more than he could handle.

Samuel sent everyone to their homes and Saul went to his home surrounded by a band of men whose hearts God had touched.

The people went home to think about what had just happened. Not everyone was happy about it.

“But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.” (1 Samuel 10:27)

Stay Tuned…

“The Rise of Saul”

 “Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.” (1 Samuel 9:1)

The tribe of Benjamin was the smallest tribe of Israel. They are named for the youngest child of Jacob. Jacob gave a account of what would happen for each of his sons.(Gen 49) The tribe of Benjamin is described as, “Benjamin will be like a wolf. A warlike tribe that will attack the enemy as a wolf would attack a prey. Unlike the wolf, Benjamin will share his victories with the other Tribes.”

Saul, the son of Kish, posed a striking figure. He was taller than most people, was physically strong, and aesthetically pleasing to look at. Kish, Saul’s father had his donkey’s disappear. Kish sent Saul, and Saul’s servant to find them.

Saul looked all over the land of the Benjaminites looking for the donkeys, but they couldn’t find them. Saul had nearly given up when Saul’s servant told him of a prophet in the city that could tell them where to go. The prophet was Samuel.

The day before Saul arrived, God told Samuel about Saul and how he would appear the next day.

Samuel meets Saul and invites Saul to sit down next to him in a feast that Samuel was having. They spoke during the dinner, Samuel with Saul. As the dinner ended Samuel and Saul retired to the roof of the house to speak to each other. As morning came Samuel and Saul went on a walk through the city.

Samuel asked the servant that was with them to walk ahead. Samuel now talks with Saul privately about what God has showed him.

Stay Tuned…

“We Want A King”

 “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ (1 Samuel 8:5)

Lets back up the narrative a bit. Chapter 8 of 1 Samuel tells us about Samuel’s two sons, Joel and Abiah. Samuel made Joel and Abiah judges in Israel. Samuel doesn’t make decisions or judgments without talking to God first. Joel and Abiah are more concerned about money than God. The elders of Israel recognized their sin.

Now the Elders of Israel want a king, just like all the other cool nations had. It was the way of the world then, as it is now. People would rather shift their responsibility to others, than take responsibility themselves. An old military saying that is true no matter who you are, “You can delegate authority, but you can’t delegate responsibility.”

Samuel was not happy about what the elders said, but he took the question to God. God answered.

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7)

God’s Answer to Israel

“9Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

10And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.

11And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.

12And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

13And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.

14And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.

15And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

16And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.

17He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

18And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.” (1 Samuel 8:9-18)

Israel Still Wants a King

The Elders of Israel ignore God and still wants a King. God tells Samuel, if they want a king give them one. God gives us enough rope to learn lessons the hard way. Just like we all have done.

Stay Tuned…

“Samuel The Judge”

 “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:3)

When the children of Israel were living under the thumb of Egypt, Moses was chosen by God to lead them and teach them the intricate ways of worship. Moses continued with the children of Israel and with God. Then Moses died.

Joshua continued the lessons of Moses. How to worship, pray, and stay true to God’s word. Joshua added FAITH in God. Faith that God kept his word as long as you kept your word to God. God not only performed wonders for Israel, but he also punished them for disobeying God. The children of Israel were on the way to control of the promised land. Then Joshua died.

The children of Israel were on the brink of victory in Canaan, but they didn’t have a leader to keep them on the path of God. Just like teaching children to walk, there comes a time that they must walk alone.

Then came the Judges. The Judges, both good and bad, appear when Israel needs a reminder about the lessons taught by Moses and Joshua. Israel either has Faith in God, knows how to worship God, and Prays to God, or God will turn his back, as they have forgotten God.

Then Came Samuel

Samuel replaced the priest Eli, and his sinful sons. God selected Samuel to lead the children of Israel back to God. Samuel follows God with Faith, worship, and prayers.

“Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.” (1 Samuel 7:4)

Baalim and Ashtaroth are made of clay, mud, sticks and stones. It is towards those idols that Israel clung to expecting peace. But there was no peace. It was an illusion of what didn’t exist. Shiny baubles, good feeling drink, happy dances, it all comes with a price. The power of Baalim and Ashtaroth exists only in the mind of the weak.

The children of Israel, through the leadership of Samuel, through the guidance of God, repented and returned to the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

The Defeat of the Philistines

“And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:7)

Fear and Faith are in a constant battle. To quote American President Franklin Roosevelt, “The is nothing to Fear, but Fear itself.”

“And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.” (1 Samuel 7:9)

When Samuel sacrificed the lamb to God, God brought more than a bad case of Hemorrhoids on the Philistines. God made the Philistines tremble and run, leaving the cities of the children of Israel, theirs again.

The Circuit Judge

Samuel established a circuit he would travel to bring judgment to Israel. It was his constant duty to God to ensure the children of Israel did not forget their God.

Samuel returned from his circuit to live and built an altar to God in Ramah.

He judged the children of Israel for the rest of his life. But its far from over.

Stay Tuned…

“Dagon Versus God”

 “And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.” (1 Samuel 5:1)

The Philistines had a god called Dagon. The Philistines kept the idols of other gods around the altar to Dagon. The Philistines put the Ark of God around the altar to Dagon.

The next morning the priests of Dagon entered the altar and saw that it had toppled over, face down, toward the Ark of God. Accident? Maybe. They put Dagon back on his altar.

The next morning the priests of Dagon entered the altar. Not only did Dagon fall over, but this time Dagon’s head and both palms had been cut off. Not an accident.

God has a sense of humor when he smites someone. The people of the Philistines, their lords, priests, and sorcerers developed huge debilitating hemorrhoids. The Philistines create the first game of “Hot Potato”.

They moved the Ark of God to other cities in an attempt to get rid of it. As the Ark moved so did hemorrhoids. The Philistines took the Ark to Ekron and the people there cried out that the Ark of the God of Israel would kill them. So, God killed many of them and those that didn’t die suffered from huge hemorrhoids.

For seven months the Ark of God traveled through the land of the Philistines. The lords of the Philistines asked their priests and diviners about how to get rid of the Ark.

“3And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

4Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.”(1 Samuel 5:3-4)

The Philistine lords had golden hemorrhoids and mice made. They put these in a coffer next to the Ark of God. They built a wooden cart and had it pulled by a milk cow. They set the cow and cart on a road that went to Bethshemesh. The cow and the cart continued alone.

When the people of Bethshemesh saw the Ark of God they rejoiced. They made a sacrifice of the cow, and opened the coffers and sacrificed on the golden hemorrhoids and mice. Then they ignored God’s commandment about opening the Ark. Which they did, God smote 50,070 men. God does not play favorites when it comes to his commandments.

Stay Tuned…

“Theft of the Ark”

“And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.” (1 Samuel 4:1)

The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God’s promise to Israel. As long as Israel held up their side of the Covenant, God’s power would reside in the Ark. Sadly, Israel had turned their back on God. A fallen nation leaning on the flashy trinkets and short term comfort.

” And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;” (1 Samuel 3:3)

As Israel and the Philistines prepared for battle, Eli and his sons pulled the Ark out. Like a dusty book no one had paid any attention to, the Ark was an empty shell. Israel had turned its back on God. Now God was sending a message to Israel.

Israel Brings the Ark to Battle.

“2And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.

3And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

4So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.” (1 Samuel 4:2-5)

Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were the priests who had turned their eyes from God and only prayed to themselves. God was not with them in the Ark. God watched.

The Philistines Attack

“6And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

7And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.

8Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

9Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

10And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.” (1 Samuel 4:6-10)

The Philistines remembered the great power God held inside the Ark, and this made them frightened. The leaders of the Philistines girdled the strength of their men against the God of Israel. They knew they had already won the first battle, and had kept Israel under their rule.

The Philistines won the battle and took the Ark.

The Messenger

A messenger from the battle came to Eli in Shiloh with bad news. Israel had lost the battle, the Ark, and Eli’s sons had been killed.

For forty years Eli had been in charge of the Ark, his sons had been entrusted to minister to the people of Israel. His sons had forsaken Eli, the People, and most importantly God.

“And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.” (1 Samuel 4:18)

The Aftermath

“19And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

20And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.

21And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.

22And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.” (1 Samuel 4:19-22)

The loss of the Ark of the Covenant, in Israel’s eyes, was the loss of everything. God was no longer with them and they were naked before the Philistines. Or so they thought.

Stay Tuned…

“Samuel the Prophet”

 “And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” (1 Samuel 3:1)

Eli is getting old and his vision dims. And the lamp of God went out in the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was. And Samuel laid down to sleep.

Out of the dark a voice says, “Samuel”.

Samuel answered, “Here am I”

Samuel thought it was Eli calling to him, so he ran into where Eli was sleeping. Samuel said, “You called me?”

Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”

Samuel goes back to sleep.

Out of the dark a voice says, “Samuel”.

Samuel answered, “Here am I”

Samuel thought it was Eli calling to him, so he ran into where Eli was sleeping. Samuel said, “You called me?”

Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”

Samuel goes back to sleep.

“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.” (1 Samuel 3:7)

God calls to Samuel a third time.

“Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.(1 Samuel 3:9)

God calls Samuel again, and this is what he said.

“11And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

12In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

13For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

14And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.” (1 Samuel 3:11-14)

Some people talk about being kind to others. God was certainly kind to Eli. Eli, through his sin filled sons had turned their backs on God. God had warned Eli, but gave him enough rope to bring in a Judge and Prophet through Samuel.

Samuel didn’t want to tell Eli everything God had spoken to him, but Eli wanted to know. Samuel told him everything God had said. Eli surrenders and repents to all the sin he has done.

“19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

20And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

21And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 3:19-21)

Stay Tuned…

“Samuel’s Youth and Calling”

 “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.” (1 Samuel 2:1)

Samuel’s mother is a godly woman. So godly that she lent her only son to God. Now Samuel is with the priest Eli in Shiloh.

Hear Hannah’s words.

“2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

4The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.

9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” (1 Samuel 2:2-10)

These are certainly prophetic words.

Eli the priest at Shiloh was well aware of the difference between Samuel and his own sons. Eli was a priest for the God of Israel. His sons were, “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” (1 Samuel 2:12)

The word “Belial” is an interesting word. In ancient Hebrew it meant “worthless” or “wicked”. Eli’s sons worship themselves and are not interested in God. The sacrifices that came from the people were taken by Eli’s sons for their own desires. If someone refuses to give the sacrifice to Eli’s sons, they would take it by force.

And here we are, surrounded by False Prophets and Teachers. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11). They exist until this day.

Eli hears the wrath of God.

“27And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?

28And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

29Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

31Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.

32And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.

33And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

34And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

35And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

36And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.” (1 Samuel 2:27-36)

“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.” (1 Samuel 2:26)

Stay Tuned…

“Hannah’s Prayer”

“And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.” (1 Samuel 1:2)

Elkanah was the name of Peninnah’s and Hannah’s husband. Elkanah was a godly man during the time of the Judges. He went yearly to worship and sacrifice to God in the city of Shiloh. Shiloh was a godly city and Eli and his sons were the priests there.

Families have had internal strife going back to Jacob and Esau. When multiple wives are concerned the problems are multiplied. (see The Story of Jacob: The Wives). This is the case between Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children. Hannah had none. Peninnah would be putting herself above Hannah because she had children. The issue is that inheritance was tied directly by people through the order of birth. However, God didn’t do it that way. Esau sold his inheritance to Jacob (see The Twins). Hannah has not yet had any heirs. Peninnah would certainly be reminding Hannah of that. This made Hannah fret.

Elkanah gave a portion of his inheritance to Peninnah, her sons, and daughters. He gave Hannah a generous portion, because he loved her. Sadly, Hannah was still full of sorrow. Year after year Hannah cried because she was barren. Hannah had stopped eating.

“Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8)

Eli, the priest in Shiloh, sat by a pillar of the temple. He overheard the prayer that Hannah prays to God.

“And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” (1 Samuel 1:11)

Eli watched her mouth the words, but could not hear what she said. Eli thought she was drunk.

“12And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

13Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.” (1 Samuel 1:12-14)

Hannah responds.

“15And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

16Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.” (1 Samuel 1:15-16)

Eli understood that she was not drunk, but was praying directly to God. Eli told her that God had heard her petition and would answer it. This made Hannah happy again. Hannah had faith.

No matter how many hardships come our way, God hears our prayers. We just have to have faith.

“And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.” (1 Samuel 1:19)

God opened Hannah’s womb and she gave birth to a son, she called Samuel, because he was from God. Samuel is presented to Eli as a remembrance of her petition to God.

Samuel is now living in Shiloh with the priest Eli. His mother will see Samuel every year when the family returns to worship and sacrifice.

Stay Tuned…

“Introduction to 1 Samuel”

 “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:” (1 Samuel 1:1)

The book of 1 Samuel is a complex lesson on how God works. It begins with the birth, youth, and calling; that is Samuel’s job to create a human King for Israel. When I say it is complex, I am not kidding.

The book spends a great deal of time about the first two Kings of Israel, Saul and David. It also contains the Ark Narratives. How the Philistines take the Ark from Israel and demonstrates to Israel their folly.

Samuel is not just a Judge, as they were in the book of Judges, he is also a prophet for God, and a deliverer.

Stay Tuned…

“Kinsmen at the Gate”

 “Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.” (Ruth 4:1)

What does this “Kinsman” mean? In this case it is about inheritance. When Naomi’s husband died his inheritance passed to the oldest son. When the oldest son died, it went to the youngest son. When the youngest son died the inheritance went to Naomi.

Naomi has decided to sell a parcel of land. The rules of buying land is that the kin of Naomi can bid on it first. If the kinsmen do not buy it, then the people of the city can bid on it. Boaz wants to buy it, but there is a kinsmen that is in the line of inheritance before him.

Boaz could have tried to sneak the purchase of the land, but he advertised the sell to his kinsman that was in line for it ahead of him. Boaz’s kinsman says he will buy it. But there is a snag that Boaz reveals to his kinsman. If you buy Naomi’s inheritance then you must also buy Ruth’s inheritance. The snag is that Ruth is not Hebrew.

The kinsman was going to buy Naomi’s inheritance until he heard about Ruth’s lineage. So the kinsman took of his shoe and gave it to Boaz. I know that sounds odd, but it is a traditional sign of agreement. Boaz, to seal the deal, had elders around him to confirm that the contract was fulfilled.

With the contract with the kinsman’s agreement, Boaz announces that he will marry Ruth.

The book of Ruth begins with Naomi being emptied by the loss of her husband and sons. Ruth follows Naomi back to Bethlehem and becomes the husband of Boaz. Boaz restores Naomi, and by Ruth he delivers a son. Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Stay Tuned…

“The Threshing Floor”

 “And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.” (Ruth 3:2)

Threshing is a key step in the harvest of barley and wheat. The Reapers cut the barley in the field and then tie it into sheaves. The barley is then taken to the threshing floor. Threshing is beating the sheaves of barley until the grains fall off and gather on the floor. Threshing is faster than picking the grain off of each stalk. There is as much work in threshing as their is in reaping.

Naomi instructs Ruth on what she should to. Naomi tells her to go to the threshing floor but not to let Boaz see her. After Boaz has finished eating and drinking go find where he is sleeping, then uncover his feet and lay down by him. Boaz will tell you what you should do.

Ruth does as she is told and after Boaz had finished eating and drinking she uncovers his feet and lies down by his feet.

Along about midnight Boaz felt something in the place he was sleeping on the threshing floor. He turns to look and finds a woman sleeping at his feet.

And Boaz said, ” 9And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

10And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

11And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

12And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

13Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

14And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

15Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.” (Ruth 3:9-15)

Ruth returns to Naomi.

“16And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

17And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

18Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” (Ruth 3:16-18)

Stay Tuned…

“Ruth Meets Boaz”

 “And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.” (Ruth 2:1)

This is a story of a family that has suffered great loss. Naomi’s husband and sons have died. This leaves her and her two daughter’s in law widows. While one daughter in law returns to her mother. Ruth, the second daughter in law, clings to Naomi and travels to Bethlehem in Judah.

Ruth goes into the fields of Boaz, a rich and influental man, he was also related to Naomi. Ruth is not there to work for Boaz. Ruth spends her first day at work picking the loose pieces of grain left in the field.

“And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.” (Ruth 2:4)

Boaz kept his faith in God. God brings Boaz and Ruth together in the field. In the conversation, Ruth wants to know why Boaz has taken notice of her?

“And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.” (Ruth 2:11)

Boaz knew quite a bit about Ruth’s history and now he is seeing Ruth’s dedication to her mother in law.

Boaz gives protection to Ruth. He tells the men to not bother her. He also tells Ruth to stay close to the maidens and go with them to glean the fields. At meal time Boaz invites her to eat with the reapers. Certainly not an intimate lunch for two, but it was a friendly meeting.

Ruth returns home to Naomi. The next day Ruth returns to the fields belonging to Boaz.

“15And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

16And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.” (Ruth 2:15-16)

Boaz has treated Ruth, who is not Hebrew, very well indeed. Although she still must work in the fields, Boaz has made it easier.

Naomi is impressed with Ruth’s efforts. The two women have a conversation concerning Boaz.

“20And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

21And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

22And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.

23So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.” (Ruth 2:20-23)

Boaz is obviously interested in Ruth, and Ruth is interested in Boaz. Could this be love?

Stay Tuned…

“Introduction to Ruth”

https://youtu.be/1ZPLuMe8IiU

“Corruption of Religion, Corruption of Morals”

 “And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah.” (Judges 17:1)

Not long after the death of Joshua Israel fell into Idolatry. The story of Micah is one of those.

Micah’s mother had 1100 shekels of silver. Micah had stolen it. It makes you wonder, why? We don’t know, but there are plenty of things he could have done with the money. Maybe he used it to invest in a business? Regardless of the why, he returns the money to his mother. He is still a thief.

Micah’s mother tells him that she was saving that money for his inheritance. She takes 200 shekels and uses the money to create graven and molten images for Micah’s house.

Micah’s house is full of idols. Micah chooses his son to be a priest of his house. For Micah’s mother it was all about the money. For Micah it was all about the money. Money was their god.

“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6)

Then came the Danites. Men from the tribe of Dan took Micah’s idols for themselves. Without a Judge to keep Israel in communion with God, they became self-righteous. Anarchy reigned in the land. Israel pays the price.

Stay tuned…

“Sampson and Delilah”

 “Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.” (Judges 16:1)

Samson certainly had relationship issues. Mainly since he had no idea when to keep his trap shut. He told his first wife the answer to his riddle. She was given away to Samson’s best friend. Then the Philistines burned her and her father.

Samson went in to Gaza to sleep with a harlot. The men of Gaza began an assassination plot. They are going to wait by the gate of the city and at the break of dawn they will kill Samson.

Samson didn’t sleep all night, instead he woke at midnight. Samson then went to the gate of the city, ripped it up, posts, bars and all. Then Samson took the gate on his back and took it to the top of a hill in Hebron.

Delilah Entices Samson

Samson loved the woman Delilah. Delilah had other ideas. Delilah had been approached by the lords of the Philistines to find out Samson’s strength. The Philistines wanted to bind Samson so they could use him as they wanted.

Delilah asked Samson how he could be bound up. Sampson lied to her three times about how he could be bound. Delilah persisted. Everyday she begged him to tell her. It is the old argument, “If you love me you will…”. Fill in the blank.

Delilah didn’t love Samson, if she had, she would have not wanted to know the answer.

Samson Relents to Delilah

Delilah continually pestered Samson to know where his strength came from. Finally Samson told her, it was his hair. From birth Samson had never cut his hair.

From the moment God had told his mother to eat or drink nothing unclean, Sampson’s strength came from God. As with everyone in the Old Testament, Samson’s weakness of spirit, is what brings about his downfall.

Samson Imprisoned

Delilah reveals to the Philistine Lords the strength of Samson comes from his hair. They have Samson’s hair cut off while he is sleeping. As a prisoner of the Philistines, Samson’s eyes are put out. Blind and weak he works in the prison of the Philistines.

God Delivers

In time, Samson’s hair begins to grow. As his hair grows, his strength returns. This works to Samson’s and Israel’s advantage.

The Philistines have a grand party and decide to have Samson as their entertainment. Samson is led into the palace by a small boy. Samson asks the boy to place him by the main pillars of the palace so that he would have a place to lean on.

With everyone in attendance the party was at full height. Three thousand Philistine men and women were on the roof to watch the spectacle.

“And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)

With his hands bound to the two pillars of the palace, Samson with all his might brought the building down on the heads of the Philistines. He slew, with his own life, more than he had killed in life.

“Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.” (Judges 16:31)

Stay Tuned…

“Major Judges: The Jawbone of an Ass”

 “But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.” (Judges 15:1)

Sampson was still infatuated with his Philistine wife. And he returned to her with the gift of a young goat. This becomes a problem. The woman he considered his wife, was married to Sampson’s best friend. The woman’s father tries to get Sampson to wed her younger sister. Sampson has another idea.

Sampson catches 300 fox, tie them tail to tail, and between each pair he ties a torch. Sampson lights the torch and turns the foxes loose in the crops of the Philistines. That must have been a sight. Whirling, burning foxes, setting fire to crops.

The Philistines were upset about this and wanted to know who did it. They all said Sampson did it. The Philistines then burned Sampson’s wife and father.

” 7And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.

8And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.” (Judges 15:7-8)

God led Sampson to sit in plain sight of the Philistines and the tribe of Judah.

The Philistines were in control of Judah and they took their forces to attempt to tie Sampson up so they could do to him what he did to them. The tribe of Judah approached Sampson and told him they were there to tie him up, not to kill him. Sampson complied and they tied him up.

When Sampson was in the midst of the Philistines they began to yell at him. The Spirit of God came to Sampson. The bonds around Sampson were loosed. Samson found the jawbone of an ass, then slaughtered the Philistines where they stood.

Obviously battling with 1000 Philistines is hard work for one man. Equally obvious is that God was with Sampson. Sampson is thirsty. God provides him with water from the jawbone of an ass.

For the next 20 years Sampson Judges Israel.

Stay Tuned…