RPG Adults
REVIVAL UNDER SAMUEL (I)
THURSDAY, MARCH 23
1 Samuel 7:3-14
2 Chronicles 15:1-7; 16:7-12
“…the eyes of the LORD
run to and fro…”
REVIVAL UNDER SAMUEL (I)
The ark was not returned to Shiloh from where it was taken, but rather it rested at Kirjathjearim. The invitation from Bethshemesh was honoured by the men of Kirjathjearim and they hosted the ark for twenty years. There is no indication that it became the religious centre of Israel during this period nor that the yearly worship and sacrifices were done there. There is also no indication of any chastisement from the LORD on the men of that city like there was at Bethshemesh.
“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel…” (1 Sam 7:3). The ministry of Samuel was different from the ministry of the other judges. In the accounts of the other judges, the focus was on the military exploits and deliverance from oppressing forces. And the life of the nation after the deliverance was set in summary form. But Samuel, apart from being a judge, was also a prophet and a priest to Israel. Another distinction is that the other judges’ work was limited to parts of Israel with tribes involved or affected by the judge mentioned, but in Samuel’s case, he ministered to “all the house of Israel” (1 Sam 7:3). Samuel’s first service to Israel in this section was directing and exhorting them to repentance and a return to the LORD. This exhortation was given at a time when “all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD” (1 Sam 7:2).
“…and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him” (1 Sam 7:9). The second service of Samuel to Israel was to plead for Israel before the LORD in their time of trouble. He spoke to the LORD on behalf of the people, that they might find mercy to help in their time of need (Heb 4:16). Earlier in 1 Samuel 3:19, we are told that Samuel was faithful in delivering God’s word such that “the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” Now, Samuel was also faithful in praying for the people that when he called “they gathered together” (1 Sam 7:6) and when in trouble they cried to Samuel to “cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us…” (1 Sam 7:8).
THOUGHT: (Read Acts 6:2-4.)
PRAYER: Father, grant to us pastors devoted to the Word of God and to prayer.