1 Samuel 13 | The Illegitimate Offering The people of Israel were about to go into battle against an army much larger. They were waiting for Samual to arrive and make the offering, they wouldn't go into battle without it. Saul wanted the battle to begin, Samuel was late. Saul decided to make the offering … Continue reading The Illegitimate Offering | 1 Samuel 13
There is an account on Mount Horeb where the prophet Elijah is afraid and hiding. The Lord approaches him and a there is a violent rushing wind passes that breaks the rocks, then there is earthquake and then a fire, God is in none of them. Then comes a gentle breeze, and in the still, … Continue reading The Spirit: Gentle Breath or Violent Wind | 1 Samuel 10-11
Israel asked for a king like all the other nations—for three reasons they said: to judge them, to go before them, and to fight their battles. The Judge They wanted someone to uphold justice and teach truth. someone who was an expert in the law of God—like Moses—who could punish the wicked and pardon the … Continue reading King , Judge and Mediator | 1 Samuel 8 | Kim Blenkhorn
We learn a lot about Saul in chapter 9—some clues about who he is, and subtle foreshadowing of what sort of leader he will become. Saul’s hidden insecurities are not neutral traits; they look for protection—either through control and anxiety, or through performance and pride and both exist in Saul at the same time in … Continue reading The Insecure King | I Samuel 9
What should have been a day of celebration turns into tragedy—the ark is returned to Israel but God strikes down fifty thousand of His own people at Beth Shemesh. Israel now seems caught on both sides: enemies on one side, God’s judgment on the other. Why would God strike His own people? And why are … Continue reading Return | 1 Samuel 6–7
Israel goes into battle against the Philistines—and they are defeated. Their first fatal flaw is revealed in a single question:“Why has the Lord defeated us today?” Within that question is a overwhelming truth—Israel sees God as an enemy fighting against them, rather than a Savior who loves them. It echoes the accusations of the Hebrews … Continue reading The Battle Is the Lord’s | 1 Samuel 4
Eli was the high priest in the temple of God. To understand the weight of his role, it helps to consider what the priesthood represented. The priests were set apart from the other tribes of Israel to serve and minister before the Lord in the tabernacle. They wore special garments, carried unique privileges, and were … Continue reading Spiritual Leaders | I Samuel 3
“The sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord.” The purpose of the semicolon here is to hold together both the cause and the judgment.The cause: they did not know God.The judgment: they were worthless men. These two ideas are closely linked. Our relationship with the Lord determines much about who … Continue reading Appetite and Allegiance | I Samuel 2:12-36
So much is happening in Hannah’s song. It is more than simple gratitude for God giving her a child. In fact, we see no direct mention of, “the child.” Instead, we see the language consistent with victory—victory over her enemy, over her hardship. Peninnah’s name is often understood to relate to “face” or “pearl,” and … Continue reading Actions Are Weighed | 1 Samuel 2:1–11
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