Bible Verse Synopsis 5-22-25
1st Samuel 7:
The men of Kirjath-jearim came and took the Ark. Abinadab’s house is were it was kept and he sanctified his son Eleazar to keep the Ark of the Lord. It stayed there under this care for 20 years. Verse 2 - “…and all the House of Israel lamented after the LORD.” If you spent 20 years apart from God, wouldn’t you be lamenting? This seems terrible to me and I feel sorrow and pity for the Israelites.
Samuel finally returns to our story. He does his entrance with a fair amount of flair and glory. The message is meant to stand apart and be held in with higher plains from the story itself. Verse 3 - “And Samuel spoke unto all the House of Israel, saying, If you so return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts into the Lord, and serve Him only: He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” This could not be a clearer directive to repent of our sins and proclaim God as THE TRUE GOD. God’s terms have stayed the same through all of time. From Abraham to Samuel to Paul, repenting of our sins and loving Him above all else is the way. Have you returned the favor of Love back to God? Is He your utmost?
Israel followed Samuel’s direction and served only the Lord. Samuel prays for them and drew water and poured it over them. They fasted and were judged. But as we know, by the water they were cleansed, for they believed! If you poured out the water, would you be saved as well?
The Philistines heard that Israel was gathering and went to attack them. Did they not learn that the power of God should not be attacked by men? This is a great example of the stubbornness of man. The Ark destroyed us and caused us suffering. Let us move forward to attack the very people who the Lord favors. A lack of faith gives us a lack of knowledge and wisdom. Stay faithful and receive those blessings.
Israel was afraid of the Philisitines, yet they had no basis. God was now with them as they were with Him. Verse 8 - “And the children of Israel said to Samuel, cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.” This is exactly the behavior God asks of us. Take our problems to Him, whatever they may be. And Samuel did just that. He made a burnt offering of a sucking lamb. Verse 9 - “…and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him.” When we accept the Lord, our prayers will be answered. What prayers do we need to make to make sure we have His love? Are those prayers the ones He is asking for or you?
Israel chased the Philstines after the Lord had smitten them! The Power of the Lord is demonstrated here. Have faith in Him and receive the blessings He gives, as Israel receives them here. This next part is crucial to our faith. Verse 12 - “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it before Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto has the Lord helped us.” Samuel here gives thanks and remembrance to God for His help. Are we giving God thanks for all the things that He does for us in our lives? Or are we like the Philistines and to stubborn to see Him at work?
Samuel continues to be the judge of Israel and Israel receives, through the Lord, everything that is theirs from God, restored. Because they kept the faith in Him. Where do we lose track of the faith and lose things? God is always there… be cautious about our intentions. Are you intentional enough that you respect the Will of God above your own? What kind of faith is that? A faith of little reward and a good reminder to all of us of His Mercy and Grace.