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A REVIEW OF THE PERIOD OF JUDGES
LORD’S DAY, NOVEMBER 3
1 Samuel 12

Acts 26:28-32

 

“…I would to God,
that not only thou,

but also all that hear me this day…”

 

A REVIEW OF THE PERIOD OF JUDGES
 
Samuel prepared the nation for a new era under the king by reminding them that whenever they forgot the Lord, they were subjected to foreign nations. He recalled the time under the judges to remind them that the Lord was their leader. They were not to be proud and compare themselves with other nations. They had to acknowledge the Lord at all times.
 
The prophet reviewed that era by mentioning some highlights. Sisera the captain of the host of Hazor was mentioned. This was the captain that Barak (with guidance from prophetess Deborah) overcame, and Sisera was killed by Jael. Two women were involved in the victory of Israel, and Sisera was defeated. God’s hand aided Israel. It was a stupendous historical record. After this victory, unfortunately, the nation again turned to idolatry. Thus, they were delivered to their enemies every time. Samuel took time to recount how that generation had failed and had to be punished as they turned away from the Lord. He told of the victories of Jerubbaal and Jephthah. Both these men did not have leadership background. Jerubbaal (i.e. Gideon) spoke of himself and his family as the least in Israel (Judg 6:15), yet the Lord used him greatly to deliver Israel from their enemies. Jephthah was also seen by his family as an illegitimate son (Judg 11:2), but the Lord raised him to be a strong military leader.
 
All these were the works of the Lord that Israel was familiar with. However, they wanted to have their own way. The latest enemy was Nahash, the king of the Ammonites. They came against Israel and the war against him became the first test for King Saul. The Lord showed that King Saul, with God’s help, was capable of defending the nation against any aggressive nation.
 
It was a peaceful transition from the period of judges to kings as Samuel was guided by divine wisdom. A new era had dawned on Israel, yet the Lord remained the same Lord of Israel.
 
THOUGHT: A worthy leader can come only by divine appointment.

PRAYER: Father, raise up good leaders that we may live peaceably.

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