1 Samuel

1 Samuel 7:1-8

These people weren't putting away the foreign gods completely.  They went through the motions but didn't "serve him only".  This may appear and sound very familiar?  It seems the ways and heart of mankind never changes.  They were still worshiping Ashtoreths, these are statues of Ashtoreths or Astarte, a fertility goddess.  They were likely worshiping Yahweh as well as Ashtoreths.  

Samuel shows up in the text again after this brief departure.  He signals a change in the land; God is present and working among his people.  The people listened to Samuel; they called a fast, confessed their sin and repented.  Samuel leads them back to the ways of the Lord. 

1 Samuel 7:9-17

When the Philistines came to attack the Israelites at Mizpah they turned to Samuel to again intercede and make an offering to the Lord.  God heard Samuel on behalf of the people   This is quite a contrast to Eli's sons carrying the Ark to battle with the Philistines like it were some large good luck charm.  How many times do we complain and carry on wringing our hands instead of just turning to God.  When the Philistines came close to attack, the Lord thundered and threw them into a panic.  Israel attacked them and routed them.

©2015 Doug Ford