1 Samuel 4 - Fight with Philistines; then Samuel as priest

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Count your blessings and praise God for all HE has given you and carried you through.

  If you will read in 1 Samuel 4: 1-3,10-11,12-18; you will find these facts concerning Israel and the Philistines.

   First the Philistines came to take Israel in battle, Israel struggled, then they went to get the Ark of the Lord and took it into battle with them.  Why?  Because they thought it would bring them "good luck", a lucky charm if you will.  However, because the Ark was there, the LORD was not with them.  Now recall, Eli, the priest who led Israel had wicked sons who showed disregard and no respect for the LORD. Well, with the Ark, the Philistines at first were afraid because they knew how God had delivered them Hebrews from Egypt.  Then they were spurred on to fight and killed 30,000 Israelites and Eli's sons.

   The Ark was not a good luck charm, God had to be with the Ark for there to be HIS power, therefore, because of this battle, the Ark fell into the hands of the Philistines. 

   When word came to Eli that his sons died in the battle he did not seem as affected as when he was told the Ark was in the hands of the Philistines.  At this word he fell backwards, broke his neck and died.  Eli had led the Israelites for 20 years, and this fate fell upon him as he was not strong enough to control his sons who perverted and scoffed at the LORD and his laws.  There ends the saga of Eli, but who should be coming along now but Samuel.

   Israel was under the Philistines for 20 years (1 Sam.7-12) when they were afflicted and returned the Ark of Israel (1 Sam 5-6).  At this time the people began to turn to Samuel saying they wanted to seek the LORD.  Samuel performed his priestly duty by leading the people of Israel to turn away from other gods and to serve God alone.

  Notice the returning theme here: Do evil in eyes of God; enslaved; cry out to God for salvation; and then delivered.  Well, the people repented of their sins and turned to the LORD, who blessed them and gave them victory over the Philistines.

  After this victory over the Philistines Samuel placed a stone near Mizpah and called the name of the stone Ebenezer, a words which literally means "STONE OF HELP"!  The stone reminded the people that God had been their help in defeating their enemy and would continue to help them in years to come.

   Samuel also served as a judge.  As a judge, Samuel helped the people settle disputes and solve their problems.  He rode a circuit in his service as judge, going between four towns in Israel - Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah, and Ramah (his home).

   Next we will move into the Monarchy of Saul (1 Samuel 8-15).  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny