1. The Lord Rejects Saul as King
In this passage, the Lord commands Saul to attack the Amalekites for ambushing the Israelites when they arrived at the Promised Land; He also commands him to "totally destroy everything that belongs to" the Amalekites. Saul then achieves a great victory over the Amalekites - yet he spares the life of their king, Agag, and preserves their finest sheep and cattle. The Lord is grieved at Saul's actions, and He sends Samuel to Saul at Gilgal. Saul attempts to convince Samuel that he has obeyed the Lord's commands, yet Samuel exposes his deception. Samuel then declares that Saul's rebellious and arrogant attitude has caused the Lord to reject him as the king of His people. Samuel executes Agag and leaves for Ramah; he will not see Saul for the rest of his life.
Now Saul attempts to justify his actions concerning the Amalekites in verses 20 and 21, and so I wonder if he fully understood the Lord's requirements as stated in verse 3. Was Saul genuinely ignorant of the Lord's desires in this matter?
2. Samuel Anoints David
In this passage, the Lord commands Samuel to go to Jesse of Bethlehem and anoint one of his sons as the new king of Israel. Samuel is afraid, as he knows that obeying this command would be construed as an act of treason; the Lord furnishes him with a plausible cover story for his journey, though. He then travels to Bethlehem, and he consecrates Jesse and his sons before inviting them to join him in sacrificing a heifer to the Lord. Samuel inspects seven of Jesse's sons, yet the Lord tells him that He has not chosen any of them as the new king of Israel. Samuel then summons Jesse's youngest son, David, who has been tending his family's flock. The Lord tells Samuel that He has chosen David as the new king of Israel, and so Samuel anoints him with oil.
Did Jesse and his family know why Samuel needed to inspect them? Were David's brothers jealous of him after Samuel anointed him? Did Samuel consecrate David before the sacrifice?
3. David in Saul's Service
In this passage, it is noted that the Spirit of the Lord has left Saul, and so an evil spirit constantly torments him. Saul's attendants recommend that David come and play the harp for him, as the sound of the harp will comfort him in the midst of the evil spirit's attacks. Jesse then sends David to Saul along with some gifts; Saul becomes attached to David, and he appoints him as one of his armor-bearers.
Since the Spirit of the Lord left Saul, perhaps this event was connected with the Spirit of the Lord coming upon David in power - as noted in verse 13 of the previous passage.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
1 Samuel 13-14
1. Samuel Rebukes Saul
In this passage, Jonathan attacks a Philistine outpost at Geba, causing the Philistines to assemble a large force at Micmash to attack the Israelites. Saul musters a large force at Gilgal, yet many of his troops flee from their camp at the sight of the Philistines. Saul waits for Samuel to arrive at Gilgal so that they can offer sacrifices to the Lord; since he does not appear within seven days, though, Saul proceeds to make a burnt offering to the Lord - disobeying Samuel's instructions in verse 8 of chapter 10. Samuel then arrives at Gilgal and rebukes Saul for his rash action, informing him that the Lord has chosen "a man after his own heart" to replace him as the king of Israel.
I must admit that if I had been in Saul's position, I would have committed the same sin. I would have taken Samuel at his word and waited for him for seven days. Once those seven days had elapsed, I would have assumed that evil had befallen him; thus, I would have attempted to seek the Lord's favor with a burnt offering before my impending battle with the Philistines...
2. Israel Without Weapons
In this passage, Saul and Jonathan lead their troops to Gibeah in Benjamin. The Philistines then send out three raiding parties against the Israelites. It is noted that the Philistines had purged Israel of its blacksmiths at that time, and so all of the Israelites - except for Saul and Jonathan - lacked swords and spears. Apparently the Philistines could help the Israelites sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles, though this was not a complimentary service.
The Philistines were probably confident of their chances in their impending clash with the Israelites given that their enemies, for the most part, lacked swords and spears. A properly forged sword was a deadly weapon at that time, and the owner of a spear could keep his enemies at a distance.
3. Jonathan Attacks the Philistines
In this passage, Jonathan and his armor-bearer leave the Israelite camp at Gibeah and approach a Philistine detachment at a pass at Micmash. These Philistines challenge Jonathan and his armor-bearer to climb up to their outpost and fight them. They accept this challenge as a sign that the Lord has given these Philistines into their hands, and they slay about 20 Philistines.
How did the armor-bearer fight these Philistines, if only Saul and Jonathan had swords and spears among the Israelites? Did Jonathan have a sword and a spear, and if so, did he give one of them to his armor-bearer?
4. Israel Routs the Philistines
In this passage, the Lord throws the Philistine army at Micmash into a panic after Jonathan and his armor-bearer defeat their detachment. Saul then musters his troops and they attack the Philistine camp; they discover that the Philistine soldiers are actually attacking each other. Many Israelite defectors return to Saul's contingent, and many Israelites who had initially fled from Gilgal re-join their ranks. In the end, the Lord achieves a great victory for Israel.
One must wonder how Saul and his loyal soldiers received the Israelite defectors and deserters. Perhaps they were simply glad to see these reinforcements in the midst of the battle.
5. Jonathan Eats Honey
In this passage, it is noted that Saul had commanded all of his troops to fast until the evening of the battle, as he was consumed by his desire to defeat the Philistines. Yet Jonathan does not know about Saul's command, and so he eats some honey as the Israelites march through a wooded area. The Israelites then plunder the Philistines and capture many sheep, cattle and calves. As they are quite hungry, they butcher these animals and, instead of pouring out their blood, eat them - violating the Lord's command in Leviticus 17:10-11. Saul later asks God for guidance regarding whether he should pursue the retreating Philistines, yet God does not answer him; lots are cast to determine the cause of God's silence, and Saul discovers that Jonathan has broken his command regarding fasting. Saul then states that Jonathan must die for his insubordination, yet his men persuade him to spare Jonathan's life since his bold action against the Philistine detachment sparked their victory.
Only Jonathan is depicted in a positive light here; it seems that neither Saul nor his men had a strong relationship with God, and so they were not mindful of His desires.
6. Saul's Family
In this passage, it is noted that Saul has three sons and two daughters. He is married to Ahinoam, and his cousin, Abner, leads his army. It is also noted that Saul fights the Philistines for the duration of his reign over Israel; thus, he is always on the lookout for brave men whom he can recruit to join his army.
In this passage, Jonathan attacks a Philistine outpost at Geba, causing the Philistines to assemble a large force at Micmash to attack the Israelites. Saul musters a large force at Gilgal, yet many of his troops flee from their camp at the sight of the Philistines. Saul waits for Samuel to arrive at Gilgal so that they can offer sacrifices to the Lord; since he does not appear within seven days, though, Saul proceeds to make a burnt offering to the Lord - disobeying Samuel's instructions in verse 8 of chapter 10. Samuel then arrives at Gilgal and rebukes Saul for his rash action, informing him that the Lord has chosen "a man after his own heart" to replace him as the king of Israel.
I must admit that if I had been in Saul's position, I would have committed the same sin. I would have taken Samuel at his word and waited for him for seven days. Once those seven days had elapsed, I would have assumed that evil had befallen him; thus, I would have attempted to seek the Lord's favor with a burnt offering before my impending battle with the Philistines...
2. Israel Without Weapons
In this passage, Saul and Jonathan lead their troops to Gibeah in Benjamin. The Philistines then send out three raiding parties against the Israelites. It is noted that the Philistines had purged Israel of its blacksmiths at that time, and so all of the Israelites - except for Saul and Jonathan - lacked swords and spears. Apparently the Philistines could help the Israelites sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles, though this was not a complimentary service.
The Philistines were probably confident of their chances in their impending clash with the Israelites given that their enemies, for the most part, lacked swords and spears. A properly forged sword was a deadly weapon at that time, and the owner of a spear could keep his enemies at a distance.
3. Jonathan Attacks the Philistines
In this passage, Jonathan and his armor-bearer leave the Israelite camp at Gibeah and approach a Philistine detachment at a pass at Micmash. These Philistines challenge Jonathan and his armor-bearer to climb up to their outpost and fight them. They accept this challenge as a sign that the Lord has given these Philistines into their hands, and they slay about 20 Philistines.
How did the armor-bearer fight these Philistines, if only Saul and Jonathan had swords and spears among the Israelites? Did Jonathan have a sword and a spear, and if so, did he give one of them to his armor-bearer?
4. Israel Routs the Philistines
In this passage, the Lord throws the Philistine army at Micmash into a panic after Jonathan and his armor-bearer defeat their detachment. Saul then musters his troops and they attack the Philistine camp; they discover that the Philistine soldiers are actually attacking each other. Many Israelite defectors return to Saul's contingent, and many Israelites who had initially fled from Gilgal re-join their ranks. In the end, the Lord achieves a great victory for Israel.
One must wonder how Saul and his loyal soldiers received the Israelite defectors and deserters. Perhaps they were simply glad to see these reinforcements in the midst of the battle.
5. Jonathan Eats Honey
In this passage, it is noted that Saul had commanded all of his troops to fast until the evening of the battle, as he was consumed by his desire to defeat the Philistines. Yet Jonathan does not know about Saul's command, and so he eats some honey as the Israelites march through a wooded area. The Israelites then plunder the Philistines and capture many sheep, cattle and calves. As they are quite hungry, they butcher these animals and, instead of pouring out their blood, eat them - violating the Lord's command in Leviticus 17:10-11. Saul later asks God for guidance regarding whether he should pursue the retreating Philistines, yet God does not answer him; lots are cast to determine the cause of God's silence, and Saul discovers that Jonathan has broken his command regarding fasting. Saul then states that Jonathan must die for his insubordination, yet his men persuade him to spare Jonathan's life since his bold action against the Philistine detachment sparked their victory.
Only Jonathan is depicted in a positive light here; it seems that neither Saul nor his men had a strong relationship with God, and so they were not mindful of His desires.
6. Saul's Family
In this passage, it is noted that Saul has three sons and two daughters. He is married to Ahinoam, and his cousin, Abner, leads his army. It is also noted that Saul fights the Philistines for the duration of his reign over Israel; thus, he is always on the lookout for brave men whom he can recruit to join his army.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
1 Samuel 10-12
In this passage, Samuel anoints Saul with oil and states that God has appointed him as the leader of Israel; he then lists several signs that will confirm the Lord's will in this regard. He also instructs Saul to go to Gilgal and wait seven days before he arrives; at that time, they can offer sacrifices to the Lord.
1. Saul Made King
In this passage, God fulfills all of the signs that Samuel listed in the previous passage. Saul meets his uncle, yet he does not inform him that Samuel has anointed him as the leader of Israel. Samuel then gathers the Israelites before the Lord at Mizpah; he reminds them of their rejection of God and their desire for a king to rule over them. He casts lots to determine their new king, and this process culminates in the selection of Saul - who has hidden himself among the baggage. After Saul is revealed to the Israelites, most of them acknowledge him as their king. Samuel writes the regulations of the kingship on a scroll that he deposits before the Lord, and he dismisses the Israelites. Saul returns to Gibeah, yet some of the Israelites reject him as their king.
Clearly Saul was not enthusiastic about his new role and its attendant responsibilities; Samuel reveals his displeasure with the concept of an Israelite king in his speech at Mizpah. Apparently only the Israelites themselves are eager for a king to rule over them.
2. Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh
In this passage, Nahash leads the Ammonites in a siege of Jabesh Gilead. The people of Jabesh Gilead attempt to surrender to them, yet Nahash insists on gouging out their eyes before accepting their offer of peace. The people of Jabesh Gilead then send messengers throughout Israel, requesting assistance. At some point these messengers reach Saul in Gibeah, and they inform him of the plight of the people of Jabesh Gilead; the Spirit of the Lord then comes upon him in power. He slaughters a pair of oxen and sends their remains throughout Israel, spurring a large group of fighting men to join him at Bezek. This force then attacks and routs the Ammonites.
The Old Testament records several instances where the Spirit of the Lord comes upon someone to empower them for a specific task. Of course, since Saul was revealed to be spiritually bankrupt, the Spirit of the Lord did not remain upon him...
3. Saul Confirmed as King
In this passage, the Israelites are ecstatic after their victory over the Ammonites; they then demand the execution of those who initially rejected Saul as their king. Yet Saul rejects their demand, giving glory to God for their victory. Samuel then calls the Israelites to go to Gilgal, where all of them acknowledge Saul as their king. A great celebration ensues.
One must wonder how those Israelites who initially rejected Saul as their king felt after he decisively defeated the Ammonites. Did they still entertain misgivings about his role as their leader, or did his military exploits win them over?
4. Samuel's Farewell Speech
In this passage, Samuel interrupts the Israelites' great celebration at Gilgal with a bracing speech. After confirming his spiritual authority over the Israelites, he reminds them that the Lord has repeatedly rescued them beginning with their bondage in Egypt. Yet he also reminds them that when they saw that Nahash was about to attack them, they rejected the Lord and desired a king who would protect them. Samuel then drives home his main point - Israel has sinned by rejecting the Lord - by asking Him to produce a thunderstorm, which would have been unusual at that time of the year. The Lord obliges, causing the Israelites to ask Samuel to spare their lives. Samuel concludes his speech by exhorting them to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and warning them of the consequences of disobedience.
In verse 12, we see that the advance of Nahash on Israelite territory fueled their desire for a king, implying that they anticipated his assault on Jabesh Gilead. Also, one must wonder how the Israelites felt about Samuel's harsh words during their celebration. Perhaps they dismissed him as being cantankerous...until he jarred them with the thunderstorm.
1. Saul Made King
In this passage, God fulfills all of the signs that Samuel listed in the previous passage. Saul meets his uncle, yet he does not inform him that Samuel has anointed him as the leader of Israel. Samuel then gathers the Israelites before the Lord at Mizpah; he reminds them of their rejection of God and their desire for a king to rule over them. He casts lots to determine their new king, and this process culminates in the selection of Saul - who has hidden himself among the baggage. After Saul is revealed to the Israelites, most of them acknowledge him as their king. Samuel writes the regulations of the kingship on a scroll that he deposits before the Lord, and he dismisses the Israelites. Saul returns to Gibeah, yet some of the Israelites reject him as their king.
Clearly Saul was not enthusiastic about his new role and its attendant responsibilities; Samuel reveals his displeasure with the concept of an Israelite king in his speech at Mizpah. Apparently only the Israelites themselves are eager for a king to rule over them.
2. Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh
In this passage, Nahash leads the Ammonites in a siege of Jabesh Gilead. The people of Jabesh Gilead attempt to surrender to them, yet Nahash insists on gouging out their eyes before accepting their offer of peace. The people of Jabesh Gilead then send messengers throughout Israel, requesting assistance. At some point these messengers reach Saul in Gibeah, and they inform him of the plight of the people of Jabesh Gilead; the Spirit of the Lord then comes upon him in power. He slaughters a pair of oxen and sends their remains throughout Israel, spurring a large group of fighting men to join him at Bezek. This force then attacks and routs the Ammonites.
The Old Testament records several instances where the Spirit of the Lord comes upon someone to empower them for a specific task. Of course, since Saul was revealed to be spiritually bankrupt, the Spirit of the Lord did not remain upon him...
3. Saul Confirmed as King
In this passage, the Israelites are ecstatic after their victory over the Ammonites; they then demand the execution of those who initially rejected Saul as their king. Yet Saul rejects their demand, giving glory to God for their victory. Samuel then calls the Israelites to go to Gilgal, where all of them acknowledge Saul as their king. A great celebration ensues.
One must wonder how those Israelites who initially rejected Saul as their king felt after he decisively defeated the Ammonites. Did they still entertain misgivings about his role as their leader, or did his military exploits win them over?
4. Samuel's Farewell Speech
In this passage, Samuel interrupts the Israelites' great celebration at Gilgal with a bracing speech. After confirming his spiritual authority over the Israelites, he reminds them that the Lord has repeatedly rescued them beginning with their bondage in Egypt. Yet he also reminds them that when they saw that Nahash was about to attack them, they rejected the Lord and desired a king who would protect them. Samuel then drives home his main point - Israel has sinned by rejecting the Lord - by asking Him to produce a thunderstorm, which would have been unusual at that time of the year. The Lord obliges, causing the Israelites to ask Samuel to spare their lives. Samuel concludes his speech by exhorting them to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and warning them of the consequences of disobedience.
In verse 12, we see that the advance of Nahash on Israelite territory fueled their desire for a king, implying that they anticipated his assault on Jabesh Gilead. Also, one must wonder how the Israelites felt about Samuel's harsh words during their celebration. Perhaps they dismissed him as being cantankerous...until he jarred them with the thunderstorm.
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