2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE ARK FOUND REST AS ISRAEL WAS WARNED
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
1 Samuel 7
Romans 1:18-23
“For the wrath of God is revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men…”
THE ARK FOUND REST AS ISRAEL WAS WARNED
As the Ark was returned to Israel, it first came to Bethshemesh. As it was not given the deserved treatment, the people of that city were punished. The men of Kirjathjearim came to fetch it. They brought it to the house of Abinadab on a hill. These men had learnt their lesson, and they handled the sacred object with due respect.
Eleazar the son was set apart to keep the Ark. In contrast, the men of Bethshemesh had not given the Ark the right treatment. The Ark remained there for twenty years and it served its purpose then. The settling of the Ark in Kirjathjearim was a new beginning in Israel. It was a reminder to them that the Lord was in their midst. The fate of the men of Bethshemesh was a warning to them on handling holy things. Settling it rightly in the new home brought sanctity to the nation.
Samuel was then established as a prophet and judge of the nation. He stood out as a transitional leader from judges to kings. He told Israel to turn to the Lord and put away idolatry. The nation was not fully free from that temptation. The period of judges was a carefree era in which everyone did that which was right in their own eyes. The nations around them did not know God, and idolatry was their religion. The interaction with them in matters of daily life had great influence on Israel. They were ensnared by idols. The depravity of the human heart easily caused Israel to forget the Lord and to turn to idols. This was not the first time that idolatry became a spiritual problem to the nation. Even during the wilderness wandering, they were tempted. That temptation followed the nation everywhere. The Lord constantly warned them to flee idolatry.
THOUGHT: Revival comes with the rejection of common sins.
PRAYER: Father, help me to overcome ignorance and remain faithful to Thee.