Israel is in a bad way. Their enemies are invading the land and the people are doing what is right in their own eyes. God raised us a man called Samuel but this chapter is about his 'mammy'. She confronted her own barrenness and in the process, God answered her prayers and gave her a son. Sometimes the Lord allows barrenness for His purpose. We seek Him more and our true heart is revealed; our desires are purified. Our petition soon becomes our dedication.
Eli sits in his chair waiting for the judgement God has promised. He is a fatalist completely refusing to discharge his High Priestly duties in regards to his evil children. In this lesson we learn how patient and in control God really is. We see men, superstitious to the hilt, depending on symbols and lucky charms instead of on the true and living God. Though it is dark, the dawn will soon break.
These 2 chapters catalogue the gradual return of the people of Israel to their God. It all starts with God miraculously intervening with the cows!! Then, we see the people's estimation and understanding of the glory and 'apartness' of God increasing. Finally there is repentance and confession. They once again serve the Lord alone. In all this story is a great encouragement to come back to the Lord if we have wandered away and hardened our hearts.
Samuel is old and he has made his sons judges in Israel. They are not much better than those of Eli, only that, their vice is money and so pervert their office. The Elders, inspired by the people, make a correct observation but draw a wrong conclusion by asking for a king. Tired of having God as their leader they prefer someone they can see, someone they can idolize. They desire to be like the nations around them. God's people feel the same pressures today. We want a charismatic leader we can follow. We want the church to take its lead from the world around us.
Saul is the king that will be chosen. He is the ideal candidate humanly speaking -tall, rich and handsome. However we know little about his spiritual credentials. We see the Lord's hand in how all the events in this chapter bring Saul to the prophet Samuel. Even though the people did not want the Lord's king, He is still in control of their 'second choice'. Finally Saul is anointed for the task and God gives him a new heart. When it comes to his coronation, he is found hiding in the baggage. We get a sense that Saul will be a complex character.
Ever get tired fighting the same battles? The men of Jabesh Gilead felt like that and they knew they needed help to be delivered from Nahash the Ammonite. He wanted to half blind them and humiliate them much like our adversary the devil desires for us. Saul comes from the field to the rescue. The Holy Spirit empowers him again and enables him to defeat the enemy. Samuel then reminds the people that it's never to late to turn to God.
Saul had started off his reign with a great military victory due to the Lord's help. In a bold and courageous move his son Jonathan attacks the Philistines. The Philistines are, in turn, extremely angry and set themselves in battle array against Israel. Despite now having a professional army, the people are frightened and are deserting, forgetting about God's deliverances in the past. Meanwhile, Saul waits for Samuel to arrive. He waits and waits and eventually foolishly performs a sacrifice in direct disobedience to God. This act of disobedience costs him his kingdom.
This story displays the remarkable results that come about when someone gets fed up being under the oppression of the enemy and decides to do something about it. Jonathan with his armourbearer go and successfully attack the enemy. The LORD responds to their faith and miraculously assists their exploits with an earthquake. However, in the chapter we see Saul who is indecisive and insecure. The main lesson we can learn is as William Carey stated:- we should 'expect great things from God and attempt great things for God'.
God asked Saul to do something very important. He is to be God's instrument of judgement against the Amalekites. Saul obeys to a certain extent. He spares some of the best spoil from the battle for himself, and keeps King Agag alive instead of totally annihilating the Amalekites. The consequences of his actions mark the death knell for his kingdom. We discover here that partially obeying God is equal to total disobedience. God doesn't want our money, time, effort and devotion if it comes at the expense of obeying Him.
Samuel grieved after Saul yet God asked him to move on and anoint the next king. Although Samuel knew the direction of God's will, he did not know the details. It's not the devil that is in the details, it is trusting Jesus with the details that we need.
Jonathan and David had a special relationship as men. They are friends even soul mates. Their friendship reveals some aspects that deep friendships have: similarities, commitment, sacrifice, generosity, humility, respect and affection. Ultimately our eyes shift to the Lord Jesus. He was called the ‘friend of sinners.’ He is the perfect Friend in that He laid down His life for His enemies. There is no greater love than this.
Bad things sometimes happen to good people. The question of why God allows evil is an ancient one. In this section we see how David’s lie led to the murder of many people. Nevertheless we can observe that God is sovereign in all He does. He can use evil to accomplish His purposes. We must learn not to interpret bad stuff in isolation. God’s good character remains intact. We can KNOW, GROW and SHOW when evil comes our way.