1 Samuel: Chapter 7
Samuel chapter 7 records the deliverance the LORD gave the Israelites through Samuel.
Chapter Recap
The ark is fetched by the people of Kiriath Jearim following the events of the previous chapter. Here, it is taken to the house of Abinadab, on the hill, and his son Eleazar is consecrated to guard it. The ark remained here for a long time, about 20 years. The Israelites finally sought after the LORD, and Samuel guides them out of their idolatry. Samuel gathers the Israelites to intercede for them before the LORD. The Philistines hear about this and gather to attack. The LORD hears the cry of the Israelites and creates confusion in the enemy camp. Soon the Philistines were routed before the Israelites, who promptly chased and defeated them. The chapter closes by outlining the life of Samuel as Israel’s last judge as he travels from place to place to judge the people, while teaching them to walk in the ways of the LORD.
The resting place of the Ark
The people of Kiriath Jearim are clearly more pious than those of Beth Shemesh. We see them promptly responding and fetching the Ark of the LORD, and placing it in the house of Abinadab and consecrating Eleazar, his son to guard it. All this is in stark contrast to what happened in the previous chapter, where the Ark was left to itself at the field and after being struck by the LORD for not keeping his commandments regarding the Ark, the people quickly sent it away. But here, we see that the Ark is treated with respect and honour. Though they did not have a common building to put it in, they placed it inside the house on the hill, probably belonging to a prominent person, and appointed a dedicated caretaker for the Ark. The Ark remains here at Kiriath Jearim for a long time, about 20 years.
Samuel, the Judge
Eventually, during this period, the Israelites begin to turn back to the LORD. No doubt, this was in part due to the efforts of Samuel, who would have been preaching and teaching the people to turn from their apostasy. Samuel guides them in their return to the LORD and promises deliverance from the Philistines, if they wholeheartedly obey the LORD.
Further, Samuel calls them together in Mizpah, so as to intercede with the LORD for them. He leads them in fasting and the people of Israel confess their sins against the LORD. This no doubt is a monumental task. To gather the people and to have them understand, accept and renounce their sins took a lot of time and effort. This could be why the people were subjected to the Philistines for a long time. The dedication of Samuel and the people’s willingness to come back to the LORD, in spite of everything that is happening around them is clearly seen here.
Deliverance of Israel
The Philistines learn about the gathering of Israelites in Mizpah, and the rulers of the Philistines assemble to attack them. Hearing this, the Israelites were afraid, but urged Samuel to keep praying for them. Samuel offered a burnt offering to the LORD and cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him.
While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel but the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines which threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. On that day, the LORD subdued the Philistines before Israel and they did not invade Israelite territory again. The LORD’s hand was against the Philistines, throughout Samuel’s lifetime. The captured territories were restored back to Israel, and there was peace in the land.
Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life. From year to year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places. But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also judged Israel. And he built an altar there to the LORD. I Samuel 7:15-17
This chapter showed how Samuel, in his prime led Israel both physically and spiritually that they followed the LORD and were blessed with peace. We also see Samuel’s dedication for the people all through his life. He was an attested prophet of the LORD from his young age. In his prime, he was crucial in securing peace for Israel. Further, he continued to go around Israel ensuring that they remain in the LORD.
The life of Samuel, has a number of valuable lessons for us as we have seen. But I’d like to close with one specific verse, where Samuel summaries the LORD's leading.
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Muzpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the LORD helped us.” I Samuel 7:12
Ebenezer means “stone of help”. The declaration made by Samuel is more profound. The LORD is always there to help, all we have to do is stay true to him and ask him for help. And when we are his children, walking in his ways, doing his will, we don’t have to worry about anything. Because, “thus far has the LORD helped us”, and he will help us further, now and forevermore. See you in the next one. Take care of yourself and each other!
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