Bible in one year 5/26/2022 1 Samuel Chapter 14-17 The first king Saul’s disobedience and sinful offering resulted in the rejection.
By Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce
Christian
Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music
1Samuel chapter
14 Philistines was panic sent by God
Ephod (v.3) The ephod was used to
consult God in a time of crisis. That was probably done by means of the Urim
and Thummim attached to the breastplate of the ephod (Ex.28:6-30). By yes and
no questions the wrong choice between two alternatives could be eliminated. The
site of the skirmish is identified by its relatively small land area. (v.4)
Saul’s spies observed how the Philistine camp was in confusion due to the
attack by Jonathan.(v.16) Art (v.18). The Ark at this time was at Kiriath
Jearim, from which it was not removed for twenty years(7:2). It may, however,
have been brought to Gibeah temporarily. The LXX reads “ephod”, an object that
could have been used for decision –making(14:3). Withdraw your hand(v.19).
I.e., “Don’t consult God now; there is no time!” With the report of victory the
Israelite deserters (or mercenaries)returned, and those who had avoided the
initial confrontation joined in the battle.(vv.21-22). So desirous was Saul of
avenging himself against his enemies that he neglected the needs of his own men
and swore a foolish oath that almost cost the life of his son.(vv.24-30).
Physically weakened (v.32) they disobeyed the prohibition against eating meat
with blood (Lev.17:10-14). Saul had the animals slain on an altar so that the
blood could be drained.(v.34), Another foolish oath by Saul! Beware of making
foolish promises that are impossible or extremely costly to keep.(v.39). By
casting lots it was determined that Jonathan was the one in violation of Saul’s
foolish oath.(vv.41-42). Saul expanded his kingdom to the south (Edom), east
(Ammon and Moab), north (Zobah), and west (Philistia). Inflicted punishment .
Lit., smote; i.e., defeated. Amalekites(v.48). Nomadic descendants of
Esau(Gen.36:12) who fought against Israel at Rephidim (Ex.17:8-13) and were
placed under divine judgment(Deut.25:19).
1Samuel 15 His partial obedience
Totally
destroy (v.3), Lit., put under a ban. A ban involved devoting cities,
persons, animals, and possessions to the Lord for destruction in accordance
with Deut.7:2-6;12:2-3; 20:16-18(Josh.6:17). Although this practice was severe,
it was a just punishment. Telaim(v.4), possibly the Telem of Josh.15:24, a city
located in the Negev a few miles N. of Beer-sheba. Kenites (v.6). Nomadic
Midianites who were well disposed toward Israel from ancient times (Ex.2:16-18;
18:9-12; Num10:29-32;Judg.1:16).The campaign proceeded from Havilah (in NW
Arabia) E. toward Shur, which is near the eastern border of Egypt.(v.7). By
sparing Agaa and the best of the spoil, Saul violated the ban and disobeyed
God’s word through Samuel. “ But Saul and the army spared Agag
and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs everythings that
was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that
was despised and weak they totally destroyed.”(vv.8-9).
The Word of the Lord came to
Samuel, “ I am grieved that I have made
Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my
instruction.(v.11). Not an indication of changeableness in God’s
nature(15:29) James1:17), but an expression of sorrow (Gen.6:6) at the sinful
rebellion of Saul. Saul excused himself and blamed the people(vv.13-15). Samuel
replied “ Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in
obeying the voice of the Lord? to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is
better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and
arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the
Lord, He has rejected you as king.”(vv.22-23).
Though Saul was qualified in many ways to be a great leader, his
self-willed spirit prevented fulfillment of that potential.
The rest of 1 Samuel
(chapt.16-31) portrays the relationships of Saul and David, and David’s
preparation for kingship. Samuel’s fear of Saul was probably justified (18:11).
The Lord did not suggest deception, but simply told Samuel to take care of the
anointing while he was in Bethlehem on official business. (v.2). Bethlehem (v.4) is located about five
miles S. of Jerusalem. The visit of Samuel was unexpected, and the town elders
may have thought he had come to pronounce and execute judgment (7:15-16;15:33).
Consecrate(v.5), set yourselves apart
by means of ceremonial washings and purifications. “ But
the Lord said to Samuel, “ Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I
have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks
at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (v.7). Note the contrast between the divine
and human perspectives. (v.7). ruddy
I.e., reddish.(v.12) A reference to the color or of David’s hair and
complexion, regarded as beautiful in area where hair and complexion are usually
dark. “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed
him in the presence of his borhters, and from that day on the Spirit of the
Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.(v.13)”. This
private anointing was the first of three anointing for David. His seconds came
as king of Judah (2Sam.2:4) and his third as king over all Israel(2Sam.5:3).
Now the Spirit of the Lord had
departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. (v.14) The
presence of the Holy Spirit in the O.T. was selective and temporary, whereas
today it is universal and permanent among believers (Judg.3:10). The evil
spirit and used by God as the instrument of judgment on Saul, resulting in a
mental disturbance bordering on madness. Whatever Saul’s malady (16:14), it was
temporarily relieved by music. “David would take
his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul and he would feel better, and
the evil spirit would leave him.(v.23).
1 Samuel Chapter
17 The Rise of David over Saul and Defeat of Goliath
The armies were camped on either
side of the Elah Valley, fifteen miles W. of Bethlehem. The Philistines were
apparently on the hill to the S. of the valley, and the Israelites were on the
hill to the N. (vv.1-3) Goliath’s height was six cubits and a span, which was
nine feet nine inches tall! (v.4) Goliath’s coat of armor weighed about 125
pounds.(v.5). Bronze greaves Bronze shin guards. A weaver’s rod was stout and heavy
(about seventeen pounds). The iron point (spearhead) weighed about sixteen
pounds. An attendant, carrying a large protective shield, went ahead of
Goliath.(v.7). Goliath suggested a
contest between individual warriors on behalf of the armies. In ancient times
battles were sometimes decided by such a contest.(vv.8-10). David intended that his victory teach that the Lord (Yahweh)
is the true God and that He delivers His people.(vv.46-47). A sling could be used with deadly accuracy (Judg.20:16). David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put
the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent. (v.54). This must be a reference to
the Israelite portion of Jerusalem (Josh.15:63) outside the Jebusite fortress, which
was not taken until David had become king (2Sam.5:6-9). Tent. Perhaps a reference to David’s home in Bethlehem. The sword was
later deposited in a sanctuary at Nob.(21:9). Whose son are you young man? Saul asked him, David said,” I am the son of
your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.(v.58). Saul knew David well from contact with him in his
court (16:18-23), but evidently had forgotten the name of David’s father and needed
to know it to reward David’s family for the victory(17:25).
Bibliography,
Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie
study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986
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