I Samuel 13 - God Rejects Saul's Kingdom

I Samuel 13

And Samuel said to Saul, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you." (verse 13-14)

Message: God Rejects Saul's Kingdom 

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: I thought I Samuel 12 was a great chapter. We are His people and we are to serve Him with all of our heart. That is, His people whom He has chosen. Now in this chapter, based upon the title, it seems Saul is going to not do this. 

Saul is 40 years old and will reign for 32 years (v.1 - though these #'s have been inferred for the original text does not say this exactly). When Saul went against the Ammonites and Nahash 300,000 mean had been present. In verse 2 it says he chose "3,000 men of Israel...and sent away the rest."

Back in I Samuel 9:16 when Saul was chosen by Samuel from God, it says "he shall deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines." But after taking 3,000 men, it is not he that goes against the Philistines, but his son Jonathan. But what the people heard throughout Israel was that Saul had done this (v.3-4). 

In response, "the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel (v. 5) in Michmash while Saul was in Gilgal." In response, "the people (of Israel) hid themselves. (v. 6)" Saul was to wait 7 days for Samuel (v.8). Saul though, it appears out of fear, did not want and did a burnt offering and peace offering and then Saul came to ask Samuel what he had done and Saul admitted not waiting and asking for the favor of the Lord and instead forced these offerings (v. 9-12). 

Samuel lets him know that he did not keep "the commandment of the Lord your God. (v.13)" Saul will not have a lasting dynasty. The number of men with Saul dwindled to 600 (v. 15). The Philistines came in 3 companies. No blacksmith was present so they went to the Philistines to sharpen their weapons and thus they had limited number of weapons (v.19-23). 

Note: This is quite harsh. Saul is given one opportunity and he fails and Samuel says the Lord will reject His kingdom. It almost seems like Saul gets nervous and takes matters into his own hands and tries to figure out himself what he is to do, making offerings. Saul most likely did not offer the sacrifices himself, but instead had a priest do this. Again, most likely he wanted to show himself ready and able, but he needed to listen to Samuel's direction. 

Summary: Saul is to wait 7 days for Samuel as the Philistines are approaching him in battle, but he does not and offers sacrifices himself, with the result that the Lord rejected Saul's kingdom. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "If we are in Christ, we cannot lose our salvation, but our disobedience can cause us to lose earthly blessings."

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the grace that you extend so often. And  yet as we encounter bad things in our lives often I wonder if it is because of our distrust and the consequences we see could be the result. In these texts, I am reminded how you are present in all of life, in every circumstance, in all that we do. You are there and we do need to take your commands seriously. I fear sometimes I do not. Just as I know how I should eat and the last 2 days after poor eating I have been impacted by discomfort, I need to walk near your ways. I thank you that my salvation is secure and when bad things to happen, keep me close to You and help me to continue to trust You.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:8 - Trouble Finds a Home

Proverbs 11:8

The righteous is delivered from trouble, 

but the wicked takes his place. 

Message: Trouble finds a home

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Solomon continues his rant on comparing the righteous and the wicked. Another simple message. The righteous are delivered from trouble while the wicked take the trouble the righteous don't have. 

Matthew Henry states, "The righteous are often wonderfully kept from going into dangerous situations, and the ungodly go in their stead."

This verse seems to make the most sense when applied to death. As Daniel was delivered from the lion's den, and his enemies thrown into it (Daniel 6:24). As Haman did in the room of Mordecai, and was hanged upon the gallows the other was delivered from, and he had prepared for him (Esther 7:10). 

God removes the wicked outcome from the righteous and instead, it falls on the wicked. 

I suppose the issue I continue to have is why do people like my friend in India continue to have trouble earning a basic living. That is hard to watch. His prayer requests for this year seem like the same as they were from last year:

1. Meet basic monthly needs.

2. No unusual expenses. 

Over and over. Month after month. It is the same issue. It is hard to send encouragement when people are struggling as much as they are while all my basic needs are not an issue. 

But we press on and present the gospel. And place our trust in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your word. It is true and real and thank you for Solomon and what you did in his life, despite his many wives and his abundance of money. You had him write these words to us, these proverbs to remind us at the end of the day I think the heart of things. I am thankful for this and pray that this message is still impacting people. I pray for my family and others that we are having in depth conversations. Help me to get to that point with people. Help people. Lord, they need it. I am on this accumulation focus it seems as I see stocks rising while many are hurting, but their needs are not one-time, like I wish they could be. Lord, heal us. Help us. Be number one in our lives. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 12 - Hope for Israel

I Samuel 12

And Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart." (verse 20)

Message: Hope for Israel

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul is now most assuredly the king over Israel. Samuel was the last judge, but now Saul is their first king. He is the king the people wanted. In the last chapter he conquered the Ammonites in the area of Gad under the leadership of Nahash and despite some thinking he was not capable, he showed that he was capable. 

In I Samuel 12, Samuel offers a speech now - a sort of farewell address to the people. To Israel he says in verse 1 "I have listened to your voice....and have appointed a king over you." Samuel has done all that he can do in his life for the people of Israel: "I have walked before you from my youth even to this day (verse 2)." Samuel says he has taken no bribes but has walked with integrity (v. 3, 5) and the people of Israel agree (v. 4).  The Lord appoints leaders, starting with Moses and Aaron "who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt (v. 6)." The Lord has acted righteously before you (v.7):

1. The people of Israel (under the name Jacob) went into Egypt and Moses/Aaron brought them out (v.8). 

2. But the people forgot the Lord and they ended up in the hands of the Philistines (v.9). 

3. And the people cried out to the Lord: We have sinned...We have forsaken...We have served other gods...Deliver us....We will serve Thee (v. 10). 

4. The Lord sent men to deliver you and delivered you from the hand of your enemies (v.11)

5. Finally, you wanted a king and the Lord provided you the king you wanted (v. 12-13). 

In verse 14, Samuel provides the concluding thought or command or promise to the people that is the same promise given in all generations: 

If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice, and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and all the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God (v. 14). 

This is what we need to do in life: follow the Lord your God (v. 14). Jesus proclaimed this to the disciples: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19)." 

Conversely though, "If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel...then the hand of the Lord will be against you (verse 15)." The pattern or idea is simple. Follow, listen, obey and all will go well with you. As I read Proverbs this is the simple message - do good, not evil. We go to church every week basically hearing this same message - do good, not evil. With it holds a promise that we all need. We resist it. People say, "I don't want God's authority over me." People instead expect the worse. People have failed them so they judge God by what people have done. But God is faithful and merciful, but he has set in plan a motion of good for all, if they will seek it. 

The Lord will do "this great thing...before your eyes (verse 16)." 

Samuel mentions to them the evil they have done in asking for their king (v.17). He sends rain and thunder and the people feared (v. 18). Ask for the mercy of God by you act of selfishness (v. 19). But the people still have a chance so "serve the Lord with all your heart (verse 20)." If you turn aside, you will seek after futility "which can not profit or deliver" you. The things that are not of the Lord are not of profit. They will not deliver. Thus our problem, we seek after other things all of the time -- again it is simple - serve the Lord with all your heart. 

Verse 22 - "The Lord will not abandon His people...the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." Samuel states his responsibility in all of this - "to pray for you...and instruct you in the good and right way (verse 23)."

"Fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart (verse 24)." Do not act wickedly (verse 25). 

The message remains this simple always. This chapter is a great summary of God and the Christian life. Do good and serve the Lord. This chapter does not promise a life free of problems. It does say that going after ungodly things is futile and those things will not deliver you, but the reason we do what we do is to serve the Lord - to Fear the Lord - with all your heart. What do we get out of it? That we are the people of God. 

Don't listen to the lie that life is meant to satisfy yourself. Follow God. Simply follow the Lord and serve Him with all of your heart. 

Summary: Samuel gives a beautiful summary of our life - we are to serve the Lord with all of our heart. We are the people of God. 

Promise: Matthew Henry - "If God shall not rule us, yet he will judge us." 

Prayer: Lord, your message and your way is simple. We make it complicated and we have made it always complicated. You set over us all this bounty and then give us a command. We focus on what we cannot do (in eating from the tree) rather than seeing that you have provided all that we need and we need to simply serve you with all of our heart. But even when we choose our own way, you give us another chance. We are your people God and You want us. What the world offers God is futile and will not deliver. You deliver. Seek after You. Life is not easy though. And you are not promising an easy life, but a life of peace and contentment. I need to follow You. Thank you for the promise of Your word God. Thank you for the peace that is found in your word and this chapter which is a great chapter to begin this year with and doing - "serve you God will all of my heart." Keep directing me daily in what this means God. Keep directing me in what it means to serve You God. There is freedom in trusting You and serving You. Thank you God for this. Help me this year to keep my focus on this - on what you have provided. Place my focus always on this. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:7 - Mortal Power Leads to Nothing

Proverbs 11:7 

When a wicked man dies, [his] expectation with perish, 

And the hope of strong men perishes. 

Message: Mortal power leads to nothing

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: 

NIV - Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.

NLT - When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.

The wicked man is not producing anything of lasting value. All they have done dies with them. All that they believed in, their promise of power and their own strength comes to nothing. Reminds me of I Timothy 4:7-8, "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come"

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. Our problem comes when we trust only in ourselves and our own strength.  

Prayer: O Lord, help me always to seek you and you alone and not rely on my own strength nor pursue those things that do not have any lasting value. Help me to always focus on those things that have eternal value, eternal life for God's chosen people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 11 - Saul's Initial Success

I Samuel 11

So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they also offered sacrifices of peace, offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. (verse 15).

Message: Saul's Initial Success

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: My summary of chapter 10: 

Samuel anoints Saul with oil as Saul is to do the will of God in humble reliance on the Spirit of God. But given the opportunity to testify of God's work, Saul hides it to his uncle. Saul has been chosen by God and presented before the people and yet at this choosing, Saul cannot be found and appears to be hiding. As mentioned previously, Saul has the looks of a king and is taller than anyone else. He is ordained to be king. 

Chapter 11 begins by presenting a problem - a possible overthrow of the people by an Ammonite - Nahash. I am not real sure why Nahash has come on the scene here, but he is someone that is on a spree of conquering. I found this map showing where Saul was residing, in Gibeah, in the land of Benjamin. In chapter 10, it was in Mizpah that Saul was anointed. But here word is received that the Ammonites are conquering land up in Jabesh-Gilead, which is in the land of Gad, on the other side (east) of the Jordan River. 

The people of Jabesh attempt to negotiate their lives with Nahash in order to live by proclaiming a covenant to Nahash to serve him (v. 1). Nahash agrees (v. 2) on the one condition that the right eye of every person is gouged out. In Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers by Charles John Elicott (1819-1905) it says:

The object of Nahash’s cruelty was to incapacitate the inhabitants of Jabesh from ever further assisting his enemies in war; they would henceforth be blinded in the right eye, while the left eye would be concealed by the shield which fighting-men were in the habit of holding before them.

On this, the people of Jabesh strike a deal to wait 7 days in order to see if anyone in the territory of Israel might deliver them (v. 3). Making a proposal like this was not uncommon and Nahash agreed because 7 days is not long for someone to hear of the problem and then come to rescue. The distance between these two places was about 45 miles, a significant journey that some remark could be done in one day by a messenger. As such in verse 4, the messengers arrive in Gibeah to speak to Saul. Saul becomes angry upon hearing (v. 6) of the people's conundrum. 

Saul does something similar to what is found in Judges 19:29 when a concubine is cut up into 12 pieces and sent throughout the land of Israel. Saul takes two oxen and cuts it into pieces in order to show people the need for an army to join Saul is supporting the people of Jabesh-Gilead and if not, their oxen will be impacted. What people see is often more impactful than what they hear. 

The place of gathering all the men of war is in Bezek (verse 8) - about 18 miles from Gibeah and then 14 more miles across the Jordan to Jabesh-Gilead, a trek that could be done during the night. The total number of men gathered is 300,000. 

So it was in verse 11 that the people are placed in 3 companies representing 3 watches of 4 hours each to strike down the Ammonites. There were men who had questioned whether Saul would be a king (10:27) and to Samuel is raised the idea of putting these men to death (v.12) but Saul says no to this (v. 13). And they go now to Gilgal, a religious site and place of many striking events of Israel's history. This where Saul is inaugurated as king. Everyone rejoiced. 

Summary: Saul experiences success in rallying a large contingent of people throughout Israel to defeat the Ammonites at Jabesh-Gilead and then is crowned king in Gilgal. 

Promise: God's kingdom advances when his people come together. 

Prayer: Lord, we are stronger when we are united. Our leadership is to be focused on You God through Jesus Christ. We are to be a strong cord. I see this throughout time in the examples of a team even in sports in which everyone comes together and is united with the same mission. We are better together. We are better united. And with this we need a leader. We are the people of God and we need to be together as one.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:6 - In Everything, Go Straight

Proverbs 11:6

The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the treacherous will be caught by [their own] greed. 

Message: In everything, go straight

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: I heard the other day that Solomon wrote 3000 proverbs. I have been on a march to study Proverbs 10-24 as every verse is a different Proverb. It is amazing to think about the fact that he wrote all of these and God in his purpose believes each is important. The last lesson I did had a big impact on me in regards to the idea of living in a righteous manner. It helped me see that each of these statements are goals. They can not be accomplished all of the time and I suppose that is a little freeing. I am not expected to be perfect. I follow these proverbs because it makes life better and it also makes the trials of life easier to go through. Going through them trusting God has to be good for me. 

I think about the people I like to read, the ones that have commentaries on these verses, written in the 1800s often, prior to computers. Those individuals must have soaked themselves in the reading of these verses. And the reading of God's word. For they all pull up references in their comments. They knew God's word. It was supremely valuable to them. 

This verse and the previous have the same idea as Matthew Henry (1662-1714) states of verses 5 and 6, "The ways of wickedness are dangerous. And sin will be its own punishment." The idea is so simple. Wickedness is dangerous and sinning has a punishment. Conversely, righteousness is good and rewarding as it is practiced. 

I also look today at "Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary" by Carl Friedrich Keil (1807-1888) – German Lutheran scholar, strong in Hebrew grammar and exegesis and Franz Delitzsch (1813-1890) – German Lutheran theologian, famous for Hebrew scholarship and interest in Jewish-Christian dialogue. For this verse they state:

6 The rectitude of the upright saveth them,

   And in their own covetousness are the faithless taken.

The integrity of those who go straight forward and straight through, without permitting themselves to turn aside on crooked ways, delivers them from the snares which are laid for them, the dangers they encounter; while, on the contrary, the faithless, though they mask their intentions ever so cunningly, are ensnared in their passionate covetousness: the mask is removed, they are convicted, and are caught and lost.

As in the last verse, the righteousness of a person will smooth his way and not permit them to walk crooked and be delivered from snares (trap that catches an animal) that are laid before them. This righteousness needs to transcend all of life, encompassing all of my choices and all that I do. I think of verses like, "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Galatians 5:9). Minor corruption or minor detours can have detrimental effects. And I Peter 5:8, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." There is a constant desire for Satan to lure God's people off their path. It is almost like we need to prepare ourselves always to be tempted to fall off course. 

I feel it is often sad how much we can criticize and critique and judge those that have gotten off track, that have fallen into sin. I have a family member that came forward to confess his sin and his going off track. It has been deemed an act of betrayal. To me at the heart of the sin was covetousness - wanting something others have and perhaps being scared that you would not get what you were hoping for. And now that one act has resulted in a spiral downward - impacting a wedding, ongoing relationship, and losing his job. It breaks my heart to watch the unraveling. And it is hard because the sin he committed he has not committed again. He has stopped. And yet, that sin has now resulted in a violent outburst that occurs at times. I just feel like his flesh is screaming out at times through those outbursts simply with a desire to be loved and accepted and wanted. 

So one hand we need to be careful, on the alert, on our guard at all times. But I really believe we need to always be forgiving and with a desire to heal and work past and improve. Yes, we can get off course and over time can even train ourselves in poor behavior. But we need to forgive. 

Prayer: Lord, I think you for these truths, to live righteously, and to realize that it is so easy to get off track. I see this in my life. Sometimes there is one need I don't get and because of that I start to veer off course - and fall into some of the sins that darken me because of anger and unmet expectations. Lord, continue to train me to choose wisely and to focus on righteousness throughout my life, in all my ways - reading, watching TV, what I view online, listen to and think about. Lord, I am susceptible to sin. I see it every day. And there are some things that cause more havoc in my life than other things. Help me. And help those around me. Help my family member that is spiraling down. Help him to rise up again and manage his life and find hope in his days. Give us hope Lord, not simply that things we don't want to happen won't happen, but center us on the hope of the riches you have in store for us. Let me hope that tomorrow is smooth and my roads are not crooked and the paths I walk on are straight. Center me on those things that honor and glorify You. Help me God and help those around me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Samuel 10:17-27 - A King in Hiding

I Samuel 10:17-27 

Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, "Has this man come here yet?" So the Lord said, "Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage." (verse 21-22)

Message: A King in Hiding

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 10 began with Saul being anointed by Samuel with a flask of oil. His father had placed him on a trail to find donkeys and Saul lets him know where the donkey reside. Saul is set aside for the Lord's work with the Lord choosing him, changing his heart, being with him, and the Spirit of God coming upon him mightily. And yet when his uncle appears he says nothing and only mentions the donkey. Back in I Samuel 9 in describing Saul he is "a choice and handsome man." Nothing else is mentioned. He has been given much by the Lord and yet he doesn't seem to be stepping up to this calling. 

Now in verse 17 Samuel speaks to the people at Mizpah (meaning Watchtower). This is the city in which Saul is anointed and is the a part of the territory of Benjamin. Samuel has a word of the sons of Israel. What God has done: brought out of Egypt, delivered them. Their response: rejecting God today asking to have their own king of their choice. 

Verse 20 says, "Then Samuel brought all the tribes near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot." In verse 18 Samuel speaks to the "sons of Israel." When the Lord speaks to His people, it is to the sons of Israel or God's chosen people which is the descendants of Jacob that became the nation of Israel - God's chosen people - the 12 tribes. The contrast here is one of choosing. One people are chosen versus those chosen by lot. The Jews are the chosen one's, but everyone else is by lot. And this is Saul's choosing - by lot. And yet in verse 21, "he could not be found" as he was (in verse 22) "hiding himself by the baggage (stuff)." He had to be taken from there to stand among the people and he was seen to be taller than anyone else. Samuel states this is the one the Lord has chosen (by lot) and no one is like him. 

And yet as Samuel then identifies in the charter that Saul is the man to lead them, then people start to wonder if that is possible or question the choice. 

Today's passage is the move from Saul being first chosen in private and now he is presented before the people publicly. 

The people have received what they wanted - not wanting someone the Lord chooses, but instead someone from among the people. God's choice is seen to be by lot then rather than chosen. And upon that announcement, Saul can't be found. He has a big responsibility and while he is tall in stature he is hiding and not ready it would seem to stand out in front and lead. But Samuel writes it in the charter. It is decreed. 

Summary: Saul had been chosen by God and presented before the people and yet at this choosing, Saul cannot be found and appears to be hiding.

Promise: If God has called us, he will equip us and we not hide in fear. 

Prayer: It is good to have this time in Your Word Lord. Thank you for the way You choose and then showing me the contrast for that, by lot. Still a choice but falling somewhat where it falls to show us the difference. We are your chosen ones. I am so fortunate to be of this chosen ones. I pray taht more would be chosen. People need you and pray that they would recognize this calling. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.