Thursday, May 26, 2022

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

 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.

 1 Samuel 16 The replacement of Saul by David; David chosen and anointed

            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

 

No comments:

Post a Comment