1 Samuel 15-17 Bleating of sheep and lowing of oxen

From 1 Samuel 15-17

Overview

1 Sam 15.1-35; Story; The LORD Rejects Saul
1 Sam 16.1-13; Story; David Anointed King
1 Sam 16.14-23; Story; David in Saul’s Service
1 Sam 17.1-58; Story; David and Goliath

Passage and Comments

Saul hasn't been making many friends with some of his commands. He makes a vow to the LORD preventing most of his men from eating. Not a good idea when they are exhausted and have to fight. The vow almost costs Jonathan his life. But Saul reneges and breaks his vow to the LORD (1 Sam 14.24-46).

A bit later Samuel passes on an instruction from the LORD that Saul and his army are to devote the Amalekites to destruction (1 Sam 15.1-3). In practical terms, kill everyone, destroy everything, so nothing remains. In a sense, give it all back to God. But as we have been seeing with Saul, he gets swayed easily by the people. He doesn't lead, he doesnt obey.

10 The word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the LORD all night. (1 Sam 15:10–11 ESV)

Its not often the LORD is described as regretting something. The term may imply God is admitting he made a mistake. But this obviously clashes with his sovereignty. So most prefer to say he was grieved. He deliberately chose a difficult path in choosing Saul that will accomplish his purposes yet still caused him pain to do so. Samuel is angry. Frustration might also describe his attitude towards Saul. He's got no sleep because of his passionate prayer. Its fairly significant that the first king chosen by the LORD in Israel's history blew it.

12 And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” 13 And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the LORD. I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” 14 And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” 15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” (1 Sam 15:12–15 ESV)

Saul set up a monument for himself. Oops.
Saul claims he performed the commandment of the LORD. Not.
Samuel has a good grasp of sarcasm.
Saul is auditioning for fail blog - 'excuse fail'.
Samuel cant stand it any longer.

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the LORD said to me this night.” And he [Saul] said to him, “Speak.” 17 And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” (1 Sam 15:16–19 ESV)

Samuel comments on Sauls opinion of his role. 'You are little in your own eyes'. Essentially Samuel is saying Saul does not respect his role and example as King. Before the LORD and before Israel. He is the LORD's ambassador. Samuel calls him out on his sin and Saul is pinned.

20 And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” (1 Sam 15:20-21 ESV)

Saul squirms and tries to evade. The people did it, not me. Saul does not take responsibility as leader of the people for the people's actions or his own (compare Daniel in Dan 9.4-20).

22 And Samuel said,
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to listen than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Sam 15:20–23 ESV)

Saul rebelled against the LORD's command and presumed he would prefer the sacrifice. Consequently the LORD will not establish his kingdom through his family line.

Story of Israel

Its interesting to note the LORD places more value on obedience and listening than on sacrifices. This is actually a recurring theme through Israel's history (Ps 51:13–19; Hos 8:11–14; Amos 5:21–24). Unfortunately Israel kept disobeying and rejecting the LORD, while still offering up offerings and sacrifices.

Story of Jesus

Jesus alludes to this problem a couple times in the Gospel. He quotes from Hos 6.6 saying;

7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. (Mt 12:7 ESV)

In doing so he lays down the groundwork for exempting Gentiles who believe him to be the crucified and then risen Christ from having to observe these Jewish works.

1 Samuel 13-14 Saul behaves foolishly

From 1 Samuel 13-14

Overview

1 Sam 13.1-7; Story; Saul Fights the Philistines
1 Sam 13.8-23; Story; Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice
1 Sam 14.1-23; Story; Jonathan Defeats the Philistines
1 Sam 14.24-46; Story; Saul’s Rash Vow
1 Sam 14.47-52; Story; Saul Fights Israel’s Enemies

Passage and Comments

After yesterdays events Samuel calls the people together and declares the LORD has chosen a king for them in response to their rude request. Amusingly they ask where he is and the LORD speaking through Samuel said he was hiding among the baggage. Huh?!? What kind of a king hides from people? They find him and take him out. They admire his height and yell out ‘long live the king’. Samuel then tells them all the rights and duties of kingship. Some people (loud, criminal, bogun’s) mock Saul (1 Sam 10.17-27).

The Ammonites threaten Israel. Saul hears about it and is inflamed with anger from the Spirit. Consequently he raises up an army and wins a resounding victory over the Ammonites. Afterwards the people who earlier mocked Saul are sought so they may be put to death for what they said. In light of the salvation the LORD has wrought through Saul, he commands that they be spared. They return to Gilgal and renew the Kingdom of Israel offering peace offerings (1 Sam 11.1-15).

Samuel recognises that he is old and grey and is about to die. In light of this he argues he has been faithful in his duties. He recalls the covenant faithfulness of the LORD in bringing Israel into the promised land and making them into a people. Despite the LORD’s righteous deeds, he condemns Israel because they have rejected the LORD for asking for a king. They cower in fear of the LORD and Samuel, but Samuel reassures them they will not be punished. Rather he exhorts them to life faithfully and serve the LORD with all their heart (1 Sam 12.1-25).

Saul gets involved in increasing more campaigns against foreign invaders and keeps winning victories. Our passage today picks up before an oncoming battle and Saul is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Samuel so he may then offer various sacrifices to the LORD before the battle (1 Sam 13.1-7).

8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. (1 Sam 13:8 ESV)

Saul has waited to the appointed time. Samuel has not yet come. It is before the battle, the sacrifice to the LORD has not been offered and people were leaving. Reading between the lines, Saul does not have the leadership to keep them waiting. He doesn’t have the patience to wait till the end of the day. Or perhaps the trust in God, that he will protect his people regardless.

9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. (1 Sam 13:9-10 ESV)

I remember once in high school, the teacher was absent and the guys were having fun tossing the dusters in the overhead fans so they would then fly around the room. Eventually I worked up the courage to do the same. Just at the moment when I did the teacher walked in and busted me. Likewise when Saul can wait no longer he gives in and does something he shouldn’t. He makes the burnt offering himself. The LORD or Samuel wouldn’t mind would they? At that same moment, Samuel walks in and busts him after the act.

11 Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” (1 Sam 13:11-12 ESV)

Saul offers an excuse and in part it seems reasonable. Samuel took his time in coming. The Philistines were about to come down and attack them. The people were scattering - leaving. They are not ready because they have not sought the LORD’s favour. He ‘forced himself’ to make the burnt offering. Will Samuel buy it?

13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. (1 Sam 13:13 ESV)

No he doesn’t. Samuel describes Saul’s actions as foolishness. Saul is a fool. He has not obeyed the command of the LORD. By offering the sacrifice himself he publicly sinned. He should have waited for Samuel so he may make the burnt offering. Saul’s earlier excuses seem in part reasonable, but he should have trusted the LORD. How did he think he was winning victories in the first place? The LORD could have held them off much longer. The LORD could have defeated the Philistines without him. The LORD could allow Saul and his forces to run away in the event the Philistines did come. These options did not involve Saul disobeying the command of the LORD.

So what is Saul’s punishment? His kingdom will not last forever. His descendants will not continue to rule over Israel.

14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” 15 And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. (1 Sam 13:14–15 ESV)

The LORD has sought out a man ‘after his own heart’. Spoiler alert - King David. David will keep the commands of the LORD, with one notable exception.

Saul eventually goes to battle. But he isn’t the one the LORD uses to win the battle. The guts of the battle is won by Jonathan. But that's another story.

Saul is an example where disobedience is described as foolishness (1 Sam 13.13). Saul’s foolishness is a combination of not trusting God and not realising that the LORD is the one who behind the scenes is winning his battles for him. Saul tried to put God in a box and control him. God doesn’t like working with people who keep trying to do this. The LORD is sovereign, we are not.

Story of Israel

Scripture portrays fools as those who have rejected God and his ways and are unable or unwilling to appreciate the wisdom of knowing and obeying him. In Israel’s history people who are described as fools lack knowledge of God (Jer 4.22; 5.4,21; Ps 92.6), they do not believe in God (Isa 53.1; Ps 14.1) or trust in Him (Hos 7.11).

Story of Jesus

When the apostle Paul looked at examples of disobedience in the old testament he used them to warn his audience against them.

11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor 10.11-13).

Saul did not wait for Samuel to offer the sacrifice, he did it himself. If we relate Saul's mistake to Jesus, how can people avoid doing the same? The answer is be aware of Jesus' role in the things we are involved in and wait on him to bring them about. We can do this by remembering the significance of his death and resurrection in our salvation. By remembering the need for prayer before embarking on various endeavors.

1 Samuel 9-12 About the matter of the kingdom

From 1 Samuel 9-12

Overview

1 Sam 9.1-27; Story; Saul Chosen to Be King

1 Sam 10.1-16; Story; Saul Anointed King

1 Sam 10.17-27; Story; Saul Proclaimed King

1 Sam 11.1-11; Story; Saul Defeats the Ammonites

1 Sam 11.12-15; Story; The Kingdom Is Renewed

1 Sam 12.1-25; Story; Samuel’s Farewell Address

Passage and Comments

Yesterday, Israel asked to be like all the other nations and have a king. Today, the LORD chooses their new king. Will he be what they expect?

Chapter nine introduces Saul. He is sent out of his land to search for some missing donkeys. Initially he has no success. But he and his companion decide to visit the prophet, whom they call a 'seer'. Provided they give him a present (food) they believe the seer can tell them where their donkeys are. The seer is Samuel (1 Sam 9.1-14).

Samuel has been told by the LORD that the king he is to anoint is coming. This king, like the judges before him will save Israel from the Philistines and 'restrain' Israel. When Saul arrives, Samuel identifies himself as the seer, invites him to eat with him and tells him the donkeys have been found (how did he know and find out?). He says this with a mysterious prediction of his upcoming role (1 Sam 9.20). They eat and spend time together for a while. The next day Samuel tells Saul he will reveal to him the word of God (1 Sam 9.15-27). This is where our passage picks up.

10 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage. (1 Sam 10.1)

Samuel anoints him king (=the LORD's prince over Israel). He tells him about his role. He will save and protect Israel from the Philistines. To prove all this he will give a series of signs.

2 When you depart from me today, you will meet two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has ceased to care about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?” ’ (1 Sam 10.2)

The first sign is that they will be told their donkeys have been found, but their father is worried about them. They will be fed by these same people.

3 Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand. (1 Sam 10.3-4)

The second sign involves another meeting. They will be met by three men who will have three goats and loaves of bread and one skin of wine. I suspect they will be impressed that Samuel was accurately been able to predict these things. In addition they will be given two loaves. Saul will be provided for along the way.

5 After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying. Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. (1 Sam 10.5-6)

Samuel predicts they will come upon a travelling band of prophets. I suspect they are religious people to proclaim the LORD (=prophesy). Possibly like priests. When Saul sees them, he to will prophesy. Samuel says, Saul will be turned into another man. He will change.

7 Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. Then go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.” (1 Sam 10.7-8)

After all these signs happen, God will be with him. Samuel says, 'do what your hand finds to do'. I suspect whatever Saul does, he will have success because the LORD is with him.

9 When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day. (1 Sam 10.9)

Saul was given a new heart. Bear this statement in mind for future reference. Samuel being the LORD's prophet as well as judge has predicted the future in truth because the LORD is with him.

10 When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them. And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” And a man of the place answered, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” When he had finished prophesying, he came to the high place. (1 Sam 10.10-13)

Saul prophesied. Normally prophesy means to predict the future. It can also be applied to communicating God's words to the people. Here I suspect Saul is proclaiming the LORD to the people. Lets see if Saul's behaviour lasts. He meets up with his father again.

14 Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys. And when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” And Saul’s uncle said, “Please tell me what Samuel said to you.” And Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But about the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel had spoken, he did not tell him anything. (1 Sam 10.14-15)

Saul did not tell him anything about the kingdom. We need to question why and what this says about Saul. I suspect Saul is embarrassed. Perhaps he is still doubting. Saul hasn't stepped it up to align himself to kingdom matters. That's what he should have done. Here's why I asked to keep his heart changing in mind. It hasn't lasted.

Story of Israel

Saul as we will see does win some victories for the LORD. But at a critical point he wavers. He seems more concerned to look good in the eyes of the people than the eyes of the LORD. This is the struggle with the people of God. Quite often the faithful ones who do step it up for the kingdom of God are persecuted by the world around them.

Following Saul God raises up another king who did step it up. King David. Saul will be remembered as having rejected the LORD, David will be remembered as the faithful king, bearer of God's promises for an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7).

Story of Jesus

Many years later, another came who was a descendant of Jesus. Like Saul many signs were given to prove who he was. Not to him, he already knew. But to those around him.

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (Jn 20.30-31)

Unlike Saul, Jesus didn't avoid speaking about the Kingdom of God. He proclaimed it out loud for everyone (e.g. Mk 1.15). Jesus stepped up and didn't back down. Even to the point of predicting his own death and resurrection and intentionally bringing it about.

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (Mk 8.31)

Jesus stepped up to the cross and ushered in his kingdom.

1 Samuel 4-8 Samuel judged the people of Israel

From 1 Samuel 4-8

Overview

1 Sam 4.1-11; Story; The Philistines Capture the Ark
1 Sam 4.12-22; Story; The Death of Eli
1 Sam 5.1-12; Story; The Philistines and the Ark
1 Sam 6.1-7.2; Story; The Ark Returned to Israel
1 Sam 7.3-17; Story; Samuel Judges Israel
1 Sam 8.1-9; Story; Israel Demands a King
1 Sam 8.10-18; Story; Samuel’s Warning Against Kings
1 Sam 8.19-22; Story; The LORD Grants Israel’s Request

Passage and Comments

As a sign of Israel's continued disobedience, the Israel is defeated by the Philistines in battle and the ark of the covenant is captured. Further the LORD's judgment on Eli is fulfilled. His two sons are killed in battle (1 Sam 4.1-11).  When Eli hears this dreadful news he falls over backward in his chair, breaking his neck and dies (1 Sam 4.12-22).

The ark of the covenant proves to be too hot to handle for the Philistines. Those who live close to it start dying. In what appears to be a comic description, their god Dagon is found face downward before the ark. The next morning the same happens, but the head is cut off as well. The Philistines resolve to get rid of the ark (1 Sam 5.1-12).

They put it on some cows with some guilt offerings to appease the God of Israel and the cows make a bee line for Israel. In Beth-shemesh the LORD continues to strike people down, this time Israelites because they are not treating the ark or the LORD with proper respect. None can stand before the LORD, the Holy God. They send for help and some men take it to Eleazar, son of Abinadab who is consecrated to look after it. He does so for twenty years (1 Sam 6.1-7.2). Time enough for Samuel to mature. Our passage picks up with Samuel.

3 And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only. (1 Sam 7.3-4)

Once again part of the role of the judge is to command Israel to repent of its idolatry and restore them to the LORD. Notice the reference to service. God's people are his servants.

5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah. Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. (1 Sam 7.5-7)

Israel repents and atones for her sin. The Philistines hear they have gathered, but before when they won against Israel, Israel was being punished for her sin. Now Israel has been restored and the LORD is with Samuel. The Philistines will get powned.

8 And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car. (1 Sam 7.8-11)

Samuel offers an animal sacrifice for good measure in respect of the LORD. The LORD in his mercy towards Israel strikes the Philistines in judgment.

12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites. (1 Sam 7.12-14)

Israel is at peace. The LORD has saved Israel again, through his judge.

15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah. And he judged Israel in all these places. Then he would return to Ramah, for his home was there, and there also he judged Israel. And he built there an altar to the Lord. (1 Sam 7.15-17)

Samuel made a regular circuit around Israel. Doing his rounds, serving the LORD by ministering to Israel. He judged Israel. The expression 'judged' obviously does not mean condemn in this context. It seems closely aligned to ruled, protected, taught and guided. It seems Samuel is a model leader. Or is he?

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” (1 Sam 8.4-9)

Unfortunately, he has struggled to lead his own family as Israel has noticed. Samuel has failed to discipline his sons just like Eli did. Perhaps because he was away from home too often, and put his ministry before his family. He and Eli are not the only leaders of Israel who have this problem.

Also, Israel while benefiting from Samuel being their judge, still despises the LORD. They want a king. This is actually part of the LORD's plan for them (Dt 17.14-20). So why the problem here? Its commonly thought that the insult was not caused by what they ask, but because of the motive behind their request. They have asked because they want to be 'like all the nations' (1 Sam 8.4). Both the LORD and Samuel recognise it as a rejection of their authority and rule (1 Sam 8.7).

Story of Israel

Throughout Israel's history there have been many leaders who have done a lot of good for Israel. Like Samuel they were not perfect, but none the less the LORD was able to use them for his purposes and turn Israel around for a time.

Consider the prophet Elijah who the LORD used to defeat the priests of Baal on mount Carmel (1 Ki 18).
Consider King Hezekiah who led Israel in trusting the LORD before their foe Sennacherib (2 Ki 18).
Consider King Josiah who found the book of the Covenant and broke down the places of foreign worship in Israel (2 Ki 22-23).
Consider Daniel who through the exile and under foreign rule, spoke up for the LORD and did not submit to idolatry (Dan 1-6).
Consider Ezra who led Israel back into the promised land to rebuild the temple (Ezra 3-6).

Story of Jesus

Jesus is like all these men, only much much better. He has died for his people. He has overcome death and been risen from the grave. He is faithful to his family. He guides them by his Spirit. He interceeds for them when words fail them. All these leaders eventually died. But Jesus remains. One day he will come again and he will be with us forever.

1 Samuel 1-3 Those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed

From 1 Samuel

Introduction

First Samuel records the establishment of Israel’s monarchy, about 1050 B.C. Samuel led Israel for many years in the combined roles of prophet, priest, and judge. After the people demanded a king like those of the other nations (ch. 8), God directed Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king. When Saul turned from God, David was anointed by Samuel to succeed him. After David killed the giant Goliath, he was brought to Saul’s court, eventually becoming the leader of Saul’s armies. Saul’s subsequent violent jealousy forced David to flee. The book closes with Saul’s death in battle, and looks forward to David’s reign. First Samuel’s author is unknown, but Samuel himself may have written portions of the book (see 1 Chron. 29:29).

(The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Sam). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.)

Overview

1 Sam 1.1-20; Story; The Birth of Samuel. Eli and Hannah.
1 Sam 1.21-28; Story; Samuel Given to the LORD
1 Sam 2.1-11; Prayer; Hannah’s Prayer
1 Sam 2.12-21; Story; Eli’s Worthless Sons
1 Sam 2.22-26; Story; Eli Rebukes His Sons
1 Sam 2.27-36; Story; The LORD Rejects Eli’s Household
1 Sam 3.1-21; Story; The LORD Calls Samuel

Passage and Comments

Samuel was given to the service of the LORD as a result of Hannah’s vow. Like some other famous women in the scriptures, Hannah was barren. She made a vow before the LORD, that if the LORD gave her a son, she would devote him to the LORD’s service. The LORD was kind and Samuel was born. Hannah honoured her promise and Samuel was given to the LORD (1 Sam 1.1-28).

There are a series of verses which indicate Samuel’s growth in maturity and favour of the LORD.

And the boy was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli the priest. (1 Sam 2:11 ESV)
And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD. (1 Sam 2:21 ESV)
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man. (1 Sam 2:26 ESV)

These are in stark contrast to the description of Eli’s sons, who minister in the tent of meeting.

17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt. (1 Sam 2:17 ESV)
22 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. (1 Sam 2:22–23 ESV)

The LORD is about to raise up one servant and put down some others.

27 And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh? 28 Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel. 29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’ (1 Sam 2.27-29 ESV)

Eli has failed to raise his children up to respect the LORD. Now he is suffering the consequences. They and his family line will perish.

30 Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.  (1 Sam 2.30 ESV)

This particular statement caught my attention. The LORD made a promise and normally we view the LORD’s promises as very one sided. Here we see what can happen when the covenant member the LORD deals with is unfaithful. He honours those who honour him. Those who despise him, He ‘lightly esteems’. The underlying Hebrew word is קָלַל  transliterated ‘ye·qal'·lû’. It can mean abated(2), accursed(1), brought a curse(1), contempt(1), contemptible(1), curse(15), cursed(16), curses(8) (Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc.). Cursed seems a definite possibility for covenant members who despise the LORD like this. What is the nature of the curse?

31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. 32 Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. 33 The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. 34 And this that shall come upon your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you: both of them shall die on the same day. (1 Sam 2.31-34 ESV)

All his house will be killed. If that were not bad enough, the last one would be spared for a time to grieve the non existence of his house. The sign that the LORD will do this is Eli's two sons will die. Really tough news or Eli. I'm not sure his sons would believe or care.

35 And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. 36 And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. And everyone who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread and shall say, “Please put me in one of the priests’ places, that I may eat a morsel of bread.” ’ ” (1 Sam 2.35-36 ESV)

What follows is the calling of Samuel. He is the faithful priest the man of God was predicting that would replace Eli's unfaithful sons. For a time those who remain in Eli's household will be dependent on this priest and his house. They will serve them. The final few verses of chapter three establish Samuel as the replacement of Eli's house.

19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD. (1 Sam 3:19–21 ESV)

Story of Israel

The promise of the LORD reflects what happens a little further in the future between Saul and David. Saul was initially chosen by God to be King, but he grieved the LORD. The LORD then raises up David as his intended king. The promise the LORD makes David is of an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7). We will have a look at this when the times comes.

Story of Jesus

The same pattern reveals itself after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The LORD initially chose Israel, but as Paul says not all descended from Israel belong to Israel (Rom 9.6). As a result of Israel's disobedience some were cut of and the result of this was that Gentiles could be grafted in. The believed that Jesus died and rose again. He is the promised king of David's line and will come again. To these believing Gentiles Paul instructs.

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. (Rom 11:17–22 ESV)

Paul gives these Gentiles a warning that still applies to us today. The sons of Eli were disobedient and their house was cut off as a result. Let us learn from their example and heed Paul's instructions not to be proud, but to fear and continue in the LORD's kindness.

Ruth 1-4 She clung to her

From Ruth 1-4

Introduction
The book of Ruth tells of a young Moabite widow who, out of love for her widowed Israelite mother-in-law, abandoned her own culture, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (1:16). Though she was destitute and needing to rely on the kindness of others, Ruth’s disposition and character captured the attention of Boaz, a close relative of her deceased husband. Boaz fulfilled the role of kinsman-redeemer and took Ruth as his wife. Ruth serves as a wonderful example of God’s providential care of his people, and of his willingness to accept Gentiles who seek him. Ruth was an ancestor of Christ. The author is unknown, but the genealogy at the end suggests that it was written during or after the time of David.

(The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ru). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.)

Overview
Ruth 1.1-5; Story; Naomi Widowed
Ruth 1.6-18; Story; Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi
Ruth 1.19-22; Story; Naomi and Ruth Return
Ruth 2.1-23; Story; Ruth Meets Boaz
Ruth 3.1-18; Story; Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor
Ruth 4.1-12; Story; Boaz Redeems Ruth
Ruth 4.13-17; Story; Ruth and Boaz Marry
Ruth 4.18-22; Story; The Genealogy of David

Passage and Comments
I would recommend reading the whole of Ruth. Its a great short story. The passage I have quoted today I love because Ruth gives such an impassioned speech. Her words and actions caused many around her to take notice.

Prior to this point Naomi has left Israel to go to the land of Moab because of a famine. People need to eat and many in Israel had been experiencing hard times. She has two sons to her husband who both marry Moabite women. Remember intermarriage with foreign women is generally frowned upon.

After some time, traglically Naomi's husband and her sons die. Leaving herself and her sons widowed wives. They have been married 10 years yet neither have had children. Remember having children to continue family lines was really important. Naomi hears the LORD has lifted the famine and again provided food for his people, so she decides to return (Ruth 1.1-5). The passage Ive chosen today picks up from here with Naomi about to return and the discussion she has with her Moabite daughters in law.

6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the LORD had visited his people and given them food. 7 So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. (Ruth 1:6–9 ESV)

It is interesting to note that she gives the LORD the credit for uplifting the famine and giving his people food. How often to we naturally give thanks to the LORD for things like this. Naomi instructs her daughters in law to return each to their mother’s house. I suggest the reference that they ‘find rest’ alludes to their mothers husband (their father) finding another husband for each of them that they may then have children.

10 And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.” (Ruth 1:10–13 ESV)

They resist Naomi’s instruction. Clearly they have affection for each other. Their common distress has tied them together.

14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” (Ruth 1:14–15 ESV)

Ruth will not depart. She clings to her. I have an image of Ruth on her knees clinging to Naomi’s leg, crying. Ruth opens her heart.

16 But Ruth said,
“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you.
For where you go I will go, and
where you lodge I will lodge.
Your people shall be my people, and
your God my God.
Where you die I will die, and
there will I be buried.
May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. (Ruth 1:16–18 ESV)

And so the story of Ruth begins. Its a bit like a romance actually, because she meets a relative of her husband who can redeem her. She eventually becomes the wife of a godly man named Boaz and they have a baby boy (Ruth 2-4). The end of the story speaks about the significance of their relationship and how we can possibly see God moving in Ruth’s heart when she made the above plea.

Story of Israel

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:13–17 ESV)

‘David’, that would be King David. From Israel's point of view, if Ruth had not returned with Naomi, King David would not have been born.

Story of Jesus
Skip forward much further;

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.
…
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. (Mt 1:1-6,12–16 ESV)

From the Christians point of view, if Ruth had not returned with Naomi, King Jesus would not have been born.

“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you.
For where you go I will go, and
where you lodge I will lodge.
Your people shall be my people, and
your God my God.
Where you die I will die, and
there will I be buried.
May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” (Ruth 1.16-17 ESV)

Overview of Judges

Jdg 1.1-26; Story; The Continuing Conquest of Canaan

Jdg 1.27-36; Story; Failure to Complete the Conquest

Jdg 2.1-5; Judgment; An angel comes and judges Israel for disobedience

Jdg 2.6-10; Story; The Death of Joshua. The people who remain do not know what the LORD has done

Jdg 2.11-15; Story-Sin; The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals

Jdg 2.16-23; Repeating Pattern;

1. The Lord raises up a judge,

2. The judge saves Israel,

3. Israel does not listen and disobeys the LORD,

4. The LORD sends a foreign nation to oppress Israel,

5. Israel cries out to the LORD 

Jdg 3.1-6; Story; Israel to be tested by the LORD is amongst other nations and intermarries

Jdg 3.7-11; Story; The LORD raises up the judge Othniel

Jdg 3.12-30; Story; The LORD raises up the judge Ehud. Fat closes over his blade in the toilet.

Jdg 3.31; Story; The LORD raises up the judge Shamgar

Jdg 4.1-16; Story; The LORD raises up the judge Deborah vs. Barak

Jdg 4.17-24; Story; Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael. Big mistake.

Jdg 5.1-31; Song; The Song of Deborah and Barak

Jdg 6.1-10; Story; Midian Oppresses Israel

Jdg 6.11-35; Story; The Call of Gideon

Jdg 6.36-40; Story; Gideon's sign of the Fleece

Jdg 7.1-18; Story; Gideon’s Three Hundred Men

Jdg 7.19-25; Story; Gideon Defeats Midian

Jdg 8.1-21; Story; Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna

Jdg 8.22-28; Story; Gideon’s Ephod

Jdg 8.29-35; Story; The Death of Gideon

Jdg 9.1-21; Story; Abimelech’s Conspiracy

Jdg 9.22-57; Story; The Downfall of Abimelech

Jdg 10.1-5; Story; Tola and Jair

Jdg 10.6-18; Story; Further Disobedience and Oppression

Jdg 11.1-28; Story; Jephthah Delivers Israel

Jdg 11.29-40; Story; Jephthah’s Tragic Vow

Jdg 12.1-7; Story; Jephthah’s Conflict with Ephraim

Jdg 12.8-12; Story; Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon

Jdg 13.1-13; Story; The Birth of Samson

Jdg 14.1-20; Story; Samson’s Marriage

Jdg 15.1-20; Story; Samson Defeats the Philistines

Jdg 16.1-22; Story; Samson and Delilah

Jdg 16.23-31; Story; The Death of Samson

Jdg 17.1-13; Story; Micah and the Levite

Jdg 18.1-31; Story; Danites Take the Levite and the Idol

Jdg 19.1-21; Story; A Levite and His Concubine

Jdg 19.22-30; Story; Gibeah’s Crime

Jdg 20.1-48; Story; Israel’s War with the Tribe of Benjamin

Jdg 21.1-25; Story; Wives Provided for the Tribe of Benjamin

Judges 19-21 In those days there was no king in Israel

From Judges 19-21

Overview
Jdg 19.1-21; Story; A Levite and His Concubine
Jdg 19.22-30; Story; Gibeah’s Crime
Jdg 20.1-48; Story; Israel’s War with the Tribe of Benjamin
Jdg 21.1-25; Story; Wives Provided for the Tribe of Benjamin

Passage and Comments
I feel a little uncomfortable quoting the passage because of the horrible things that happen. Yet it is God's word and we still need to engage with uncomfortable passages as well as passages that may offend us.

Now, Samson is the last judge described in the book of Judges. Samuel is a judges as well but he is in the next book. Without a judge to guide them the people of Israel are running riot. Over the next few chapters the author will repeat a telling reference to Israel's state.

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Jdg 17:6)
In those days there was no king in Israel. (Jdg 18.1)
In those days, when there was no king in Israel (Jdg 19:1)
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Jdg 21:25)

These phrases signify a few facts. Firstly, The LORD is the true king of Israel, but Israel has abandoned him as their king. Second, Israel has no king. Whether that be the LORD of a human king. These statements anticipate 1 and 2 Samuel where Israel moves from the time of the judges to the time of the kings. Lastly, because there is no king, Israel is running riot. Misbehaving. The text reveals this is subtle ways if you read it knowing the Jewish law. Idolatry, Priests for Hire, the tribe of Benjamin still without their inheritance, to name a few.

Our passage today picks up on the story of levite priest and his concubine. Bear in mind having a concubine is not legislated against in the Jewish law. So it was accepted practice in their culture. The levite and the concubine seem to have a heated argument and the concubine runs away. The levite pursues her and they reconcile. Eventually they visit her father who lavishes on the levite several nights of care, food and drink, all the while the levite tries to leave gracefully (Jdg 19.1-10).

Eventually he does leave and on their way home they decline to spend the night in the city of Jebusites (a foreign city), in favour of spending it at the city of Gibeah which belongs to one of the tribes of Israel, Benjamin (Jdg 11-14). When they got there 'no one took them into his house to spend the night' (Jdg 19.15). An ominous sign because it was shameful in their culture not to be hospitable. At evening an old man sees them and questions them and takes them into his house and cares for them (Jdg 19.16-21).

This is where we pick up our reading.

22 As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.” 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing. 24 Behold, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine. Let me bring them out now. Violate them and do with them what seems good to you, but against this man do not do this outrageous thing.” (Jdg 19:22–24)

'Worthless fellows' is a term that crops up a number of ties in the Old Testament. Think - loud, criminal, bogun. They want to have sex with the levite. These loud, criminal, bogun's are homosexuals. The old mans response says a lot about Old Testament ethics concerning hospitality and sex. He says don't take the man, that would be wicked, vile and outrageous. Take my virgin (valuable for continuing pure family lines) daughter and his concubine. Are their lives at stake? Perhaps he is working on the lesser of two evils? Either way we cannot be happy with the situation. Most today may prefer to die.

25 But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go. 26 And as morning appeared, the woman came and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her master was, until it was light. 27 And her master rose up in the morning, and when he opened the doors of the house and went out to go on his way, behold, there was his concubine lying at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold. 28 He said to her, “Get up, let us be going.” But there was no answer. Then he put her on the donkey, and the man rose up and went away to his home. (Jdg 19:25–28)

Perhaps they would have been better off in the foreign city of Jebusites? Look what Benjamin has become. The levite goes outside in the morning after the night of torture, speaks to his concubine and 'there was no answer'. The text wants us to read between the lines. They killed her. I think we are meant to imagine the emotions he was feeling at this point. Shock, unbelief, grief, .... anger. Angry enough to do something excessive to express his feelings about what has happened and the state of Benjamin. Perhaps even Israel.

29 And when he entered his house, he took a knife, and taking hold of his concubine he divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel. 30 And all who saw it said, “Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.” (Jdg 19:29–30)

By doing this the levite starts Israel's first civil war. The other tribes of Israel rally together and battle against the tribe of Benjamin (to remove their evil) finally defeating it (Jdg 20.1-48). Israel doesnt completely wipe them out, they have compassion on them and in a strange twist of fate help them find new wives.

Story of Israel
This was Israel's first civil war, but not its last. The most significant break in Israel's relations will follow king Solomon. His son king Rehoboam takes some poor advice and decides to rule his kingdom with an iron fist. There is a strong leader named Jeroboam, who leads a union like movement resulting in the separation of the nation into Israel (Jeroboam) and Judah (Rehoboam).

Ever since these two nations have had a poor relationship with one another. They each have their own kings, some are shining lights. But none compare to who is to follow. The promised king, who will unite Israel again and cause them to be faithful.

Story of Jesus
When Jesus came Israel was still in a state of mess. They needed to repent. They needed a king. After Jesus died and rose again, Peter sharing the gospel to the very people who crucified him said;

30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:30–32)

The repeated message in Judges about Israel lacking God's promised king to lead them cannot now be repeated. Jesus is the Christ. Peter says he is 'Leader and Saviour'. He is the king. He has brought repentance and forgiveness to those who believe.

Judges 16-18 Seduce him and see where his great strength lies

From Judges 16-18

Overview

Jdg 16.1-22; Story; Samson and Delilah
Jdg 16.23-31; Story; The Death of Samson
Jdg 17.1-13; Story; Micah and the Levite
Jdg 18.1-31; Story; Danites Take the Levite and the Idol

Passage and Comments

Samson grows up and the Spirit of the LORD begins to stir within him (Jdg 13.25). I suggest the Spirit begins to pester him about the Philistines, the situation of God’s people and their relation towards God. On the other hand Samson has some personal issues. He has a problematic sex drive and wants to take a Philistine of a wife. Rejecting his parents advice he marries a Philistine. Marriage with people who share completely different beliefs is never a good idea, but the LORD uses it to initiate Samson’s war against the Philistines. His wife ends up committing adultery with his best man (Jdg 14.1-20).

She resides with her father (who would have given her away). A little later Samson wants to visit his wife, perhaps trying to woo her back but her father refuses. Samson retaliates by burning down the Philistine crops. The Philistines burn Samson’s wife and her father to death. Samson and the Philistines go to war and Samson kills one thousand men with a donkey jawbone! Samson judged (protected) Israel from the Philistines for twenty years (Jdg 15.1-20).

Samson's sex drive gets him into trouble again and he starts consorting with Philistine prostitutes. The second one is Deliah. The LORD is still with him giving him his great strength and fighting ability so other Philistines get her to try and find out where his great strength comes from and how he could lose it. She tries several times. Each time the Philistines attack Samson afterwards but because the LORD is still with him they get beat up. Samson has not yet revealed it (Jdg 16.1-12).

13 Then Delilah said to Samson, “Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me how you might be bound.” And he said to her, “If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web and fasten it tight with the pin, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.” 14 So while he slept, Delilah took the seven locks of his head and wove them into the web. And she made them tight with the pin and said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” But he awoke from his sleep and pulled away the pin, the loom, and the web. (Jdg 16.13-14)

The repetition is painful. How could Samson be so gullible and not work out what the Philistine woman was up to? She tries several times, this is the last.

15 And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and you have not told me where your great strength lies.” 16 And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death. 17 And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” (Jdg 16:15–17)

Samson was slowly but surely beaten into submission (Jdg 16.16). He should have known what she and the Philistines were up to. He preferred sex to serving God faithfully. But at this point, his heart was still with the LORD.

18 When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up again, for he has told me all his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands. 19 She made him sleep on her knees. And she called a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. 20 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. (Jdg 16:18–20)

When he divulged the secret of his strength it was then that he sinned against the LORD by giving her all his heart. Sin crept in unawares and overpowered him. Don't underestimate sins ability to deceive and hinder your relationship with the LORD. Keep on guard.

21 And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles. And he ground at the mill in the prison. 22 But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. (Jdg 16:21–22)

Story of Israel

Samson suffered the penalty for what he had done. But the LORD still had things to do through him. Samson will return to the LORD and win a significant victory over the Philistines, saving Israel yet again from their punishment (Jdg 16.23-31). Samson had issues, but who doesn't? These are the tools the LORD uses in his saving purposes.

Unfortunately the remaining story of Judges is not rosy. It gets worse and something will happen that gets everyone's attention. More on this tomorrow.

The Judges weren't perfect, but God was able to use them anyhow. The text may not explicitly mention it, but all the people God uses to minister to Israel have had their own problems to deal with. But that didn't stop the LORD using them in his plans. It shouldn't stop us from thinking the LORD can use us too.

Story of Jesus

Jesus is different. Yes, like us he was tempted, he got tired, and suffered. But unlike us, He knew no sin. So there is some comfort in knowing the LORD can use us (like Samson) while we are learning and growing. There is comfort as well in knowing that our LORD Jesus is strong enough not to succumb to the worlds temptations. His boldness in going to the cross is proof of this. Either way we win because the LORD is in control.

Following Jesus' death and resurrection the author of Hebrews encouraged his audience by reminding them of the example of Samson. Check it out, be encouraged as well.

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. ... 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Heb 11:32–34,39–40)

Judges 13-15 He shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines

From Judges 13-15

Overview

Jdg 13.1-13; Story; The Birth of Samson
Jdg 14.1-20; Story; Samson’s Marriage
Jdg 15.1-20; Story; Samson Defeats the Philistines

Passage and Comments

Those who read the first Judges blog or have been reading through Judges with me will note Jdg 13.1 has the repeated formula we've seen in  Jdg 3.7; 4.1; 6.1; and 10.6.

13 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. (Jdg 13:1)

One would have thought Israel's collective memory would have worked out why they were being continually given over to foreign rule. But I guess not. George Santayana is famous for quoting "Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors are destined to repeat them." Yep. But like before, God continues to remain faithful to his people even when they are faithless (cf. 2 Tim 3.13). He raises up another Judge. This one is well known - Samson.

2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. 3 And the angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. (Jdg 13:2–3)

Normally I would assume it would be right to sympathize with a woman who is barren. But in the scriptures, I cant think of a single barren women explicitly named so who didn't give birth to someone famous. It's almost like God intentionally held the child back for just the right time. No doubt the parents were more grateful to God for blessing them after a longer wait than those who could have children without to much trouble. However this child is Samson, the trouble will begin after he is born. 

4 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5 for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” (Jdg 13:4–5)

The Nazirite vow is specified in the Jewish law (Num 6.1-21). Interesting fact about Nazirite's. They are not allowed to drink vinegar (Num 6.3). Hmmm. Ever tried drinking vinegar? Once my friends swapped my glass of water for vinegar. Just as soon as I put it in my mouth I spat it out!

More seriously, this Nazirite will save Israel from the Philistines. So we know in advance the LORD will use him to once again rescue Israel from their punishment.

6 Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, 7 but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’ ” (Jdg 13:6–7)

The woman tells her husband and they are assured their love making will produce what they had long hoped for. A son. Even more, someone who will save Israel.

Its interesting to ponder why Samson was required to become a Nazirite. None of the other Judges needed to adopt this lifestyle. Perhaps it was part of God's plan for how he would use Samson to defeat the Philistines. More on that later.

Story of Israel

As I mentioned earlier many if not all women explicitly named in the scriptures who does not have a child who becomes famous for some reason. Consider;

Sarah, Abraham's wife (Gen 11.30; Rom 4.19),
Rebekah, Isaac's wife (Gen 25.21),
Rachel, Jacob's wife (Gen 29.31),
Hannah, Samuel's mother (1 Sam 1.2), and
Elizabeth, John the Baptists mother (Lk 1.7,36).

I think the main factors with each of these is the fact that someone has yearned for a long time that the child may be born and two that God would fulfill his saving purposes through that child.

Story of Jesus

In the New Testament, we have no indication that Mary (mother of Jesus) was barren. But the birth of Jesus fits the bill on both counts above. The promised Christ was long awaited for. Hundreds of years in fact. God fulfills his saving purposes through Him.

When Samson has grown he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines. But Jesus will play a much greater role in God's salvation. He saves people from sin and death by the power of his own death and resurrection. Only the long awaited for Christ can do that.

Judges 10-12 Whatever comes out from the doors

From Judges 10-12

Overview
Jdg 10.1-5; Story; Tola and Jair
Jdg 10.6-18; Story; Further Disobedience and Oppression
Jdg 11.1-28; Story; Jephthah Delivers Israel
Jdg 11.29-40; Story; Jephthah’s Tragic Vow
Jdg 12.1-7; Story; Jephthah’s Conflict with Ephraim
Jdg 12.8-12; Story; Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon

Passage and Comments
Making vows before the LORD were serious business. A vow was a contract between the person and the LORD. Basically the person promised to perform some sort of deed or make some form of payment if the LORD fulfilled his or her request. Quite often women would make vows for children. In today's passage Jephthah (a judge and I don't know how to pronounce his name) makes a very careless vow.

29 Then the Spirit of the LORD was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” (Jdg 11:29–31)

The wording Jephthah uses is very strange. He says 'whatever comes out from of the doors of my house to meet me when I return' (Jdg 11.31). What normally resides in his house other than his family? Did he expect someone to overhear and push through an animal instead? Did he leave it to God to make sure something other than a human being would pass through? There does not seem to be any logic to his vow. His vow is careless and he wasn't thinking of the consequences.

32 So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD gave them into his hand. 33 And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel. (Jdg 11:32–33)

The LORD fulfilled his end of the agreement. Now lets see about Jephthah's.

34 Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the LORD, and I cannot take back my vow.” (Jdg 11:34–35)

Jephthah doesn't seem to have considered the implications of his vow any further because if he had he might have attempted to control what comes out of his house. When he gets home his daughter (no name given) comes out with 'tambourines and with dances' (Jdg 11.34). Obviously in celebration of the victory of the LORD gave her father. But clearly she didn't know about her fathers vow. Jephthah's vow now assumes he will offer up his only daughter as a burnt offering. How horrible.

36 And she said to him, “My father, you have opened your mouth to the LORD; do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, now that the LORD has avenged you on your enemies, on the Ammonites.” 37 So she said to her father, “Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions.” 38 So he said, “Go.” Then he sent her away for two months, and she departed, she and her companions, and wept for her virginity on the mountains. (Jdg 11:36–38)

It seems the daughter has remarkable concern for her fathers reputation. She upholds her father and his careless vow at her own expense. Contrasted in the text are the opposite ways Jephthah and his daughter show caring and consideration for their own family.

Another cultural element in this story is what she weeps for. Not for her life, but for her virginity. She has no children. Jephthah (the Judge) obviously didn't think of her family when he made his vow.

39 And at the end of two months, she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow that he had made. She had never known a man, and it became a custom in Israel 40 that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. (Jdg 11:39–40)

Story of Israel
She was faithful to her fathers inconsiderate vow and Israel remembered her for it. Since she continued unnamed (remembered as 'the daughter of Jephthah') the people will remember that Jephthah made this careless vow which resulted in her death. Hopefully fathers in later generations were more considerate for their own families as a result of this tradition. Perhaps some were, but considering Israel's history and dealings with the LORD right up to Jesus, probably some weren't.

Story of Jesus
Jesus took his own stance against vows. He basically instructs people not to make them.

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. (Mt 5:33–37)

Its possible Jesus is condemning the practice of making vows when he says 'anything more than this comes from evil' (Mt 5.37). Perhaps part of the reason Jephthah made the vow in the first place was to coerce God into winning the battle for him, rather than trust that God was using him for his own purposes.