This chapter contains Samuel’s farewell address to Israel after the crowning of Saul as king. He reminds Israel of their past sin, but more importantly, of their gracious and forgiving God. ” ‘I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is…
Author: Conqueror in Training
1 Samuel 11
In this chapter Saul leads an army to rescue a besieged city in Israel, thus gaining him the allegiance of Israel, and he is officially crowned king. “Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead… And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled….
A Prayer of Blessing in Difficult Circumstances
Today I offer a prayer of blessing for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. Father God, our Lord and King, thank you for being our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. You Lord are good, a stronghold in days of trouble, protecting those who take refuge in You. You deliver us…
1 Samuel 10
In this chapter Saul is anointed King, the Spirit of God comes upon Him, and he is proclaimed king before all of Israel. “Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. And he said to the people of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “I brought up Israel out…
1 Samuel 9
This chapter introduces Saul and describes his initial calling to be king. “Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, ‘Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.’ …but they did not find them… But [Saul’s servant] said to…
1 Samuel 8
This chapter contains Israel’s request (demand, really) for a king, and Samuel’s (God’s) warning against it. “But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, ‘No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and…
1 Samuel 7
This chapter focuses on Samuel’s early “judging” of Israel. Like in the book of Judges, Samuel leads Israel by declaring the ways of the Lord, and they (thankfully) obey Samuel’s (God’s) leadership. “And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away…
A Prayer for Freedom from Oppression
Throughout the Internet I keep seeing the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. Every time I see it, I am reminded that all lives matter, and those who have been culturally marginalized / oppressed deserve a special place of honor because of the wrongs they have suffered. It breaks God’s heart to see people, who are created in His…
1 Samuel 6
This fascinating chapter details how the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel. “[The Philistine diviners] said, ‘If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his…
1 Samuel 5
This chapter gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Philistines after they capture the Ark in battle. “When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it… into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the…