1. David and Jonathan
In this passage, David flees from Naioth at Ramah and goes to Jonathan, demanding to know why Saul wants to kill him. Jonathan does not believe that his father wants to kill David, yet David persuades him to test Saul on this point. In particular, David does not attend a feast with Saul on the New Moon festival; Saul notices David's absence, yet he does not comment on it. On the next day, Saul does not see David at his table; this time, he asks Jonathan about David's absence. Jonathan follows David's instructions by informing Saul that he has gone to Bethlehem to join his family as they offer a sacrifice. This news incites Saul's anger, and he accuses Jonathan of conspiring with David against him. Saul's reaction convinces Jonathan that his father wants to kill David. On the following day, Jonathan meets David and informs him of Saul's actions; they part after reaffirming their mutual friendship.
Clearly Jonathan was caught between a rock and a hard place, as he tried to balance filial obedience (along with the fact that Saul was his king) with his strong friendship with David. I certainly hope to ask Jonathan about this someday...
2. David at Nob
In this passage, David travels to Nob, where he meets Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech asks David why he has come to Nob by himself, and David states that Saul has sent him on a secret mission. He asks Ahimelech for some bread, and he gives him the consecrated bread. He also asks Ahimelech for some weapons, and he gives him the sword of Goliath. Interestingly, it turns out that Doeg the Edomite, who is Saul's head shepherd, is in Nob; he makes note of David's arrival.
In verse 7, it is noted that Doeg was ''detained before the Lord." I am unsure as to the meaning of this phrase; was Doeg being punished for committing a sin? Also, I wonder why Ahimelech was afraid of David when he saw that he was alone; had he heard that David was a fugitive from Saul?
3. David at Gath
In this passage, David travels to Gath. When he arrives in Gath, the servants of Achish king of Gath remind him of David's military exploits against their people; clearly they view David as their mortal enemy. David quickly pretends to be insane in their presence; this causes Achish to view him as merely insane - and not a dangerous foe who had to be killed.
Did Achish fail to recognize David when he arrived in Gath? Had Achish forgotten about David's victories over his people? Did Achish know that David was a fugitive from Saul (if so, then Achish may have concluded that the enemy of his enemy - Saul - was his friend)?
4. Psalm 34
In this passage, David praises God, and he calls others to praise Him. He states that the Lord has delivered him from many troubles, and he asserts that the Lord will do likewise for all who call on His name. He also declares that those who call on the Lord will never be in want. In addition, he asserts that those who want to receive the Lord's blessings - including a long life - must watch their speech, do good and pursue peace. He ends on an ominous note by stating that while the Lord watches over those who call on His name, He cuts off those who do evil.
In my Bible, it is noted that this psalm was written when David "pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left." I wonder if this psalm was meant to be paired with the previous passage; if so, was Achish also known as Abimelech?
Friday, August 1, 2014
Thursday, July 31, 2014
1 Samuel 19, Psalm 23, Psalm 59
1. Saul Tries to Kill David
In this passage, Saul orders Jonathan and his attendants to kill David. Jonathan warns David of Saul's plot against him, though. Jonathan then goes to Saul and persuades him to spare David's life by reminding him of how Israel benefited from David's great victory over Goliath. At this point it appears that Saul has cast off his evil thoughts regarding David. Later, though, an evil spirit from the Lord comes upon Saul, and he attempts to kill David while he plays the harp in his house. David escapes from Saul's house, and Saul sends men to surround his house. Michal persuades David to flee that evening, and she places an idol in his bed to deceive Saul's men when they come to capture him. Saul uncovers her deception and pursues David to Naioth at Ramah - yet the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him and his men, causing them to prophesy.
I wonder why Michal and David had an idol in their house. Was the Lord displeased with them? Was a particular Hebrew phrase incorrectly translated as "idol" in this case? I hope to meet Michal and David someday and learn more about this...
2. Psalm 23
In this passage, David portrays himself as a lamb being led by his shepherd, the Lord. He describes the comfort that he experiences as the Lord leads him through life-threatening situations. He also describes the triumphs that the Lord brings him, and he expresses his confidence that the Lord will never leave him.
I wonder if David wrote this classic psalm after Jonathan informed him of Saul's plot against him. If so, could Saul have been one of David's "enemies" in verse 5?
3. Psalm 59
In this passage, David prays that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies. He states that he has done no wrong; thus, he prays that the Lord would rescue him from his enemies. He portrays his enemies as a pack of snarling dogs, and he expresses his confidence that the Lord will enable him to defeat them. Now he prays that the Lord would defeat his enemies without destroying them - so that they would be a testimony to the Lord's sovereignty and power.
While I have not studied the Psalms in depth, my impression is that many of them involve David praying that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies.
In this passage, Saul orders Jonathan and his attendants to kill David. Jonathan warns David of Saul's plot against him, though. Jonathan then goes to Saul and persuades him to spare David's life by reminding him of how Israel benefited from David's great victory over Goliath. At this point it appears that Saul has cast off his evil thoughts regarding David. Later, though, an evil spirit from the Lord comes upon Saul, and he attempts to kill David while he plays the harp in his house. David escapes from Saul's house, and Saul sends men to surround his house. Michal persuades David to flee that evening, and she places an idol in his bed to deceive Saul's men when they come to capture him. Saul uncovers her deception and pursues David to Naioth at Ramah - yet the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him and his men, causing them to prophesy.
I wonder why Michal and David had an idol in their house. Was the Lord displeased with them? Was a particular Hebrew phrase incorrectly translated as "idol" in this case? I hope to meet Michal and David someday and learn more about this...
2. Psalm 23
In this passage, David portrays himself as a lamb being led by his shepherd, the Lord. He describes the comfort that he experiences as the Lord leads him through life-threatening situations. He also describes the triumphs that the Lord brings him, and he expresses his confidence that the Lord will never leave him.
I wonder if David wrote this classic psalm after Jonathan informed him of Saul's plot against him. If so, could Saul have been one of David's "enemies" in verse 5?
3. Psalm 59
In this passage, David prays that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies. He states that he has done no wrong; thus, he prays that the Lord would rescue him from his enemies. He portrays his enemies as a pack of snarling dogs, and he expresses his confidence that the Lord will enable him to defeat them. Now he prays that the Lord would defeat his enemies without destroying them - so that they would be a testimony to the Lord's sovereignty and power.
While I have not studied the Psalms in depth, my impression is that many of them involve David praying that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
1 Samuel 17-18
1. David and Goliath
In this passage, the Philistines and the Israelites prepare for battle. One of the Philistines, Goliath, happens to be a giant; for 40 consecutive days, he challenges the Israelites to choose one of their soldiers to engage him in single combat. None of the Israelites are willing to accept his challenge...until Jesse has his youngest son, David, bring some food to his three oldest brothers, who are in the Israelite army. On that day, David witnesses Goliath's challenge to the Israelites, and he asks Saul for permission to engage Goliath in single combat; while Saul is initially hesitant, he eventually grants David's request. David then approaches Goliath, and despite the giant's taunts, he uses a slingshot to kill him. This spurs the rest of the Israelites to rout the Philistine army; after the battle, David brings Goliath's head to Saul.
Perhaps the high point of this passage arrives in verses 45-47, where David declares to Goliath that he is fighting with the strength of the Lord; thus, he will defeat him, and his victory will proclaim God's greatness to others. We must not forget these verses when we think about this familiar story.
2. Saul's Jealousy of David
In this passage, Jonathan makes a covenant with David, since "he loved him as himself." David enlists in the Israelite army, and he successfully carries out the missions that Saul assigns him. The women of Israel extol David's victories, which causes Saul to become quite jealous of him. He later tries to kill David - twice - by hurling his spear at him while David plays the harp, yet David escapes on both occasions. Saul later concocts the following plan to get rid of David: he promises to allow David to marry his older daughter, Merab, if he continues to serve in the Israelite army (he hopes that the Philistines will kill David in a subsequent mission). David declines this request, and so Saul promises to allow him to marry his younger daughter, Michal, if David presents him with the foreskins of 100 Philistines; David actually delights in this request, and he kills 200 Philistines and presents their foreskins to Saul. Saul then allows him to marry Michal.
Did the Holy Spirit inspire Jonathan to make his covenant with David? Did David give any of his possessions to Jonathan when they established their covenant?
In this passage, the Philistines and the Israelites prepare for battle. One of the Philistines, Goliath, happens to be a giant; for 40 consecutive days, he challenges the Israelites to choose one of their soldiers to engage him in single combat. None of the Israelites are willing to accept his challenge...until Jesse has his youngest son, David, bring some food to his three oldest brothers, who are in the Israelite army. On that day, David witnesses Goliath's challenge to the Israelites, and he asks Saul for permission to engage Goliath in single combat; while Saul is initially hesitant, he eventually grants David's request. David then approaches Goliath, and despite the giant's taunts, he uses a slingshot to kill him. This spurs the rest of the Israelites to rout the Philistine army; after the battle, David brings Goliath's head to Saul.
Perhaps the high point of this passage arrives in verses 45-47, where David declares to Goliath that he is fighting with the strength of the Lord; thus, he will defeat him, and his victory will proclaim God's greatness to others. We must not forget these verses when we think about this familiar story.
2. Saul's Jealousy of David
In this passage, Jonathan makes a covenant with David, since "he loved him as himself." David enlists in the Israelite army, and he successfully carries out the missions that Saul assigns him. The women of Israel extol David's victories, which causes Saul to become quite jealous of him. He later tries to kill David - twice - by hurling his spear at him while David plays the harp, yet David escapes on both occasions. Saul later concocts the following plan to get rid of David: he promises to allow David to marry his older daughter, Merab, if he continues to serve in the Israelite army (he hopes that the Philistines will kill David in a subsequent mission). David declines this request, and so Saul promises to allow him to marry his younger daughter, Michal, if David presents him with the foreskins of 100 Philistines; David actually delights in this request, and he kills 200 Philistines and presents their foreskins to Saul. Saul then allows him to marry Michal.
Did the Holy Spirit inspire Jonathan to make his covenant with David? Did David give any of his possessions to Jonathan when they established their covenant?
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
1 Samuel 15-16
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
1 Samuel 7-9
In this passage, the men of Kiriath Jearim arrive in Beth Shemesh and take the ark of the Lord. They bring the ark to the house of Abinadab and consecrate his son, Eleazar, as its guard.
1. Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah
In this passage, it is noted that the ark of the Lord remains at Kiriath Jearim for 20 year; during that time, the Israelites mourned and sought after the Lord. Samuel then calls the Israelites to recommit themselves to the Lord. They gather at Mizpah and declare that they have sinned against the Lord, and Samuel intercedes with Him for them. The Philistines try to attack the Israelites at Mizpah, yet the Lord thunders against them and throws them into a state of confusion. The Israelites take advantage of the situation and rout the Philistines; after this defeat, the Philistines do not invade Israel again. Samuel later leads Israel against the Philistines in several battles while serving as Israel's judge.
Perhaps the Lord caused the Israelites to mourn and seek after Him for 20 years so that they would be ready to hear His call to repentance (as delivered by Samuel). Of course, it would not be long before the Israelites' inherent sinfulness reared its ugly head...
2. Israel Asks for a King
In this passage, it is noted that Samuel steps down from his position as the judge of Israel and appoints his sons as his replacements. Yet his sons are terrible judges and behave unjustly, spurring the elders of Israel to request that Samuel appoint a king over Israel. Samuel is displeased by their request; later, the Lord tells him that their request is actually a tacit rejection of Him as their King. Samuel then warns the people of Israel regarding the consequences - including taxation - of appointing a king over them. Yet the Israelites refuse to heed his warnings; thus, the Lord tells him to appoint a king over them. Samuel then commands all of the Israelites to return to their towns.
One must wonder why Samuel's sons were unable to judge Israel. Their father served as a good example in this regard - yet somehow his example did not make an impression on them. This fact highlights an interesting parallel between Samuel and his mentor, Eli.
3. Samuel Anoints Saul
In this passage, it is noted that a Benjamite, Kish, has a son, Saul, who was "without equal among the Israelites." Kish has lost some of his donkeys, and Saul and one of his servants search for them throughout the hill country of Ephraim and the territory of Benjamin without success. At some point they reach the district of Zuph; there, the servant persuades Saul to ask a man of God in a nearby town for some advice regarding the lost donkeys. Interestingly, Samuel is that man of God, and the Lord had informed him that 1) Saul would come to him and 2) he must anoint Saul as the king of Israel. Saul and his servant later meet Samuel, and he invites them to join him for a sacrifice at that town's high place. The next morning, Samuel arranges a private meeting with Saul; he tells Saul that he has a message for him from the Lord.
In verse 20, Samuel tells Saul that "the desire of Israel" points to him. Could Saul guess Samuel's intentions at that point, i.e. did Saul know that Samuel was going to anoint him as king over Israel? Saul was focused on finding his father's lost donkeys at that time - perhaps Samuel's words went in one ear and out the other.
1. Samuel Subdues the Philistines at Mizpah
In this passage, it is noted that the ark of the Lord remains at Kiriath Jearim for 20 year; during that time, the Israelites mourned and sought after the Lord. Samuel then calls the Israelites to recommit themselves to the Lord. They gather at Mizpah and declare that they have sinned against the Lord, and Samuel intercedes with Him for them. The Philistines try to attack the Israelites at Mizpah, yet the Lord thunders against them and throws them into a state of confusion. The Israelites take advantage of the situation and rout the Philistines; after this defeat, the Philistines do not invade Israel again. Samuel later leads Israel against the Philistines in several battles while serving as Israel's judge.
Perhaps the Lord caused the Israelites to mourn and seek after Him for 20 years so that they would be ready to hear His call to repentance (as delivered by Samuel). Of course, it would not be long before the Israelites' inherent sinfulness reared its ugly head...
2. Israel Asks for a King
In this passage, it is noted that Samuel steps down from his position as the judge of Israel and appoints his sons as his replacements. Yet his sons are terrible judges and behave unjustly, spurring the elders of Israel to request that Samuel appoint a king over Israel. Samuel is displeased by their request; later, the Lord tells him that their request is actually a tacit rejection of Him as their King. Samuel then warns the people of Israel regarding the consequences - including taxation - of appointing a king over them. Yet the Israelites refuse to heed his warnings; thus, the Lord tells him to appoint a king over them. Samuel then commands all of the Israelites to return to their towns.
One must wonder why Samuel's sons were unable to judge Israel. Their father served as a good example in this regard - yet somehow his example did not make an impression on them. This fact highlights an interesting parallel between Samuel and his mentor, Eli.
3. Samuel Anoints Saul
In this passage, it is noted that a Benjamite, Kish, has a son, Saul, who was "without equal among the Israelites." Kish has lost some of his donkeys, and Saul and one of his servants search for them throughout the hill country of Ephraim and the territory of Benjamin without success. At some point they reach the district of Zuph; there, the servant persuades Saul to ask a man of God in a nearby town for some advice regarding the lost donkeys. Interestingly, Samuel is that man of God, and the Lord had informed him that 1) Saul would come to him and 2) he must anoint Saul as the king of Israel. Saul and his servant later meet Samuel, and he invites them to join him for a sacrifice at that town's high place. The next morning, Samuel arranges a private meeting with Saul; he tells Saul that he has a message for him from the Lord.
In verse 20, Samuel tells Saul that "the desire of Israel" points to him. Could Saul guess Samuel's intentions at that point, i.e. did Saul know that Samuel was going to anoint him as king over Israel? Saul was focused on finding his father's lost donkeys at that time - perhaps Samuel's words went in one ear and out the other.
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