DEVOTIONAL
 

Samuel comes back into the story after about twenty years where we do not hear from Samuel after his anointing by God as priest. He is much older now and holds responsibility as judge over Israel. They are running around like a hot mess and Samuel is tasked by God to lead Israel. All the other nations have a king leading them. Israel has Samuel who is fueled by God which tells me in the grand scheme of things, Israel is in good shape. However, they would not agree by the time we read chapter 8.

Before we look at Israel’s demand for a king, back up with me to chapter 7. There is so much to celebrate. The cadence for Israel develops the rhythm of repent, remember, and restore. This follows them throughout the Old Testament. Israel’s first step to repent or return to God is to destroy the foreign gods Baal and Ashtaroth they serve alongside Yahweh. Samuel promises Israel that when they return to God to serve only Him, then God will give them victory over the Philistines (7:3). This repentance requires inward and outward action. Inwardly, directs my heart and thoughts to God like Paul commands in Philippians 4:8. Then, outward confession of my sin which changes the direction of the path I follow from self-seeking to glorifying God. Israel repents before God and pours out their confession at Mizpah (7:6) which is seven miles north of Jerusalem where Israel gathers often and soon becomes the same place Saul is named first king of Israel.

While Samuel is sacrificing to God for Israel, the Philistines attack and God gives Israel victory over the Philistines. The way the scene unfolds really celebrates God’s faithfulness in 7:10 that says, “But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel.” Wow, when God shows up, He really shows up.  

Q: What is a hard situation, defeated sin, or toxic relationship you received victory over in the last year that deserves celebration of God’s faithfulness?

After returning to God, Israel remembers that it is God who has been Israel’s constant help. Samuel leads them in this remembrance with an Ebenezer which means “stone of help” to physically mark God’s faithfulness to Israel. The markers of remembrance are so important in my life because I am quick to forget when God is faithful.

Till now the Lord has helped us.

1 Samuel 7:12

And still, God gives more to Israel. As they savor the victory, God is merciful to restore all the cities Israel lost to the Philistines from Ekron to Gath (7:14). God does not stop there. He goes even further to not only give them back all their territory but makes peace for Israel. Here you go, Israel. All this land is back in your hands, and I want you to enjoy it in peace. Do not worry.

 

This is the part in the movie you want to stop the tape and let the credits roll. Israel returns to God and remembers His faithfulness. God restores Israel. Why does this only last for a season for Israel and in my own life?

I don’t know how much time is between end of chapter 7 and beginning of chapter 8, but it feels like a hard turn. Israel demands a king from Samuel. They are done with Samuel as their judge and want to be like all the other nations with a king ruling over them (8:5,20). Did Israel hear of good things happening for the nations led by a king? We are tempted to believe the grass is greener on the other side and jump the fence without taking a pause to assess the situation. I want God’s truth to be louder than my doubt. From what I read just a few verses back, Israel is dwelling in peace over a large territory. Israel set up an Ebenezer to remind them God is faithful. This is what is true. What is the doubt or fear that drives Israel to demand Samuel to give them a king? (8:5).

The irony gets me. We started today reading how Israel cleans out the gods of Baal and Ashtaroth to worship only Yahweh. And now, Israel is rejecting God from being their king when they demand Samuel to appoint a king to judge them. They do not see that God is acting as king, a better king, than what the other nations have in place. Israel is building up another idol. Samuel warns Israel in 8:10-18 how this is not a good idea. There are six times where Samuel describes everything the kings will take from Israel. These kings take the best for themselves. The God of Israel who has served as their king has only given the best to Israel. And yet, God gives Israel what they want. A new king is coming.