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THE PHILISTINES WERE SUBDUED BEFORE ISRAEL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
1 Samuel 7:7-17

Ephesians 6:10-18

 

“Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.”

 

THE PHILISTINES WERE SUBDUED BEFORE ISRAEL
 
The Philistines reacted to Samuel’s move in Mizpeh. They prepared to fight another war with Israel. Israel was afraid of such a challenge. Their readiness must not be with the might of the flesh. It must be a spiritual preparation. They had a spiritual leader who was mature and understood their predicament.
 
They asked Samuel not to cease to pray to the LORD for them. In this, He would save them from the hands of the Philistines. Samuel then approached the LORD in the best way he knew. He took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering and the LORD heard him. The answer was instant.
 
Samuel was conversant with the right worship, and he did accordingly. Now that a prophet was in the midst of the nation, the LORD’s presence among them became evident. The Philistines were all set to fight with Israel. On the other hand, Samuel did not tell Israel to prepare to fight. While Samuel was offering up the sacrifices, the Philistines drew near. It was then that the LORD thundered with great thunder on that day against the Philistines. They were discomfited and smitten before Israel. The LORD fought for His nation. Israel then went out of Mizpeh and finished off what was left of the Philistines. Israel saw the hand of the LORD and remained confident.
 
Samuel was now the judge and spiritual leader that the nation looked up to. The Philistines were subdued all his days. They came no more to the coasts of Israel for the hand of the LORD was against them. The cities that were taken were restored to Israel. The whole nation of Israel looked to Samuel as their judge. He was capable and established an effective administrative order.
 
Good leaders that fear God are worthy of any nation. God gives revival and establishes good leadership. The church must also follow this pattern.
 
THOUGHT: The Lord leads the righteous in the paths of peace.

PRAYER: Father, may my confidence be in Thee in my spiritual battles.

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