Reading
SAA Notes
Saul rescues his own – doubly so. Jabesh Gilead had strong blood ties with the Tribe of Benjamin. Consider Samuel’s words to God’s Christ Saul and to God’s people – verses 12:24,25.
SJA Notes
* Mighty God, please deliver us from our enemies, protect us from those who rise up against us, those who work evil – Save us from bloodthirsty folk.
“If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.”
Samuel is speaking God’s TRUTH to the people, just as Moses did. Just as Joshua did.
Samuel warns both the people and the king not to stray from God.
“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
What then for us reading this passage?
Samuel’s words hold as much weight now as then.
Fear the Lord.
Serve the Lord.
Obey His voice.
Do not rebel against His commandment.
These are not just old testament Hebrew truths.
These are spiritual life and health for us today!
Let us be encouraged and exhorted to grasp hold of them, wrestle with them – how to out-work them practically in our lives.
We are called to the obedience of faith for the sake of Jesus’ name among the nations (Romans 1).
This is a high calling! Let us encourage one another in it as the day grows long.
* Dear Lord God,
Thank You for Samuel’s words to Israel in this passage from Your word.
Please help us to serve You with all humility.
Please help us to walk obediently under Your will, Your words to us.
Please help us to seek Your face each day.
Amen.