19 Now Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and He let none of his words fail. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord.
Message: The Lord Calls Samuel
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: Verse 1 seems to highlight a difference between the two sons of Eli and now Samuel. It states, "Now the boy Samuel" in contrast to the words of I Samuel 2 of his sons and "the report is not good" (2:24). The reality is those individuals who marked their lives consistently in growing up in the Lord and ministering to the Lord were rare.
In this 2nd chapter the Lord calls Samuel and yet Samuel does not recognize the Lord. He thinks instead it is Eli. This happens 3 tunes through verse 8. Verse 7 says, "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." Then in verse 9, Eli instructs Samuel on how to answer the next time he hears the Lord.
The Lord is speaking a word to Samuel and that word is He will curse Eli and his household. The issue was "because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he (Eli) did not rebuke them" (v.13). One problem was the sin and the other was the father not rebuking the sin. The sin needs to be called out and brought to the attention of others as not being acceptable.
Samuel is now scared to tell Eli (v. 15), but eventually he does and Eli accepts it - "It is the Lord: let Him do what seems good to Him" (v. 19). It was not good for Eli, but he would accept it. As what is important is that it is good for the Lord. That's the crux of this. God will do what is best for Him in the moment.
Thus:
- Samuel grew and the Lord was with him (v. 19)
- [he] let none of his words fail (v. 19)
- he was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord (v. 20)
- the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel (v. 21)
- the word of Samuel came to all Israel. (4:1)
The Lord speaks not simply alone himself, but uses people to speak through. This chapter chronicles the life of Samuel up to being a prophet. It started with his mother dedicated him to God's service and then he responded by growing up in the Lord. But even as God spoke to him, he did not hear Him as Lord. He needed instruction and Eli as a priest provided him that guidance and instruction so that next time the Lord called him, he heard. And then God asked him to do something and He replied and did it and in the process he became one God can count on. He grew to be a Prophet of the Lord and eventually one that speaks to all of the people. There is a progression here with many involved, his mother, a priest, and the Lord ultimately.
Summary: Samuel, unlike Eli’s sons, is growing with the Lord God, as a prophet, and bringing God’s word to Israel.
Promise: I need to take time daily to listen to God.
Prayer: Father God, I am yours, created by You to not only live morally but to live always pleasing to You. Samuel modeled this and I pray my life now and going forward will be a life well lived according to the truth of who you are and who I am in You. I am to bring You glory. Like Eli’s sons though I am often so selfish and am only seeking what makes me feel good. I ask for strength each day, Your strength, so that I will be one that honors You. I ask this and come to You in the name of Jesus and because of Him. Amen
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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