1 Samuel 7-8

CHAPTER 7:
          Verses 1-2: The ark of the LORD is brought to the house of Abinadab, presumably a Levite. This fact is suggested by the mention of his son, Eleazar, being sanctified in order to keep watch over and take care of the ark. (v.1) The ark remains here for twenty years, though no reason is given for why. One possibility is that Shiloh was destroyed in one of the battles with the Philistines. Whatever the case, verse 2 does clearly state that “…all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.” The people recognize the reason that God has brought judgment upon them and why the ark was captured in the first place: their sin of rebellion, immorality, idolatry, and apostasy. This is clearly shown in the next few verses.
 
            Verses 3-6: Samuel exhorts the people to turn away from their false gods and repent of their sin. This is the only way they will have victory over the Philistines. (v.3) As with all the previous judges, Israel heeds Samuel’s words and obeys. (v.4) Samuel then calls for the nation to gather at Mizpeh. (v.5) This is a city of Benjamin in the southern region, about eight miles north of Jerusalem. This is the first of several important events that will take place here throughout the reign of the kings, starting with the coronation of Saul. (1 Samuel 10:17, 24) Just as Moses did, Samuel assumes the role of intercessor, beseeching the LORD on behalf of the people.
            The pouring out of water (v.6) symbolizes the repentant and penitent heart poured out before the LORD. The people fast and gather in worship all day in acknowledgment of their sin against God. They also recognize Samuel as God’s appointed leader and judge of the whole nation.
 
            Verses 7-14: When the Philistines hear of the national gathering at Mizpeh they decide to take advantage of the opportunity to destroy their enemy. They begin gathering their army in preparation for an attack, and when Israel gets wind of this they become fearful and implore Samuel to continue praying to the LORD on their behalf. (v.7-8) Samuel immediately sacrifices a lamb for a burnt offering, crying “…unto the LORD for Israel…”. (v.9) God does not ignore the pleas of his people. Even as Samuel is giving the burnt offering, God smites the Philistine army with a great thunder from heaven, causing confusion and disarray among them. (v.10) This gives the army of Israel a chance to respond, and they pursue the Philistines all the way to Beth-car, defeating their enemy in a great and glorious victory. (v.11)
            Before Israel’s first battle against the Philistines, they had set up camp at Ebenezer. (1 Samuel 4:1) The name means “stone of help”, but God had not been with His people at that time. Now, Samuel uses that same name for the monument he erects between Mizpeh and Shen, and this time there is no irony in that title. (v.12) God is Israel’s rock of salvation. For the rest of Samuel’s reign as judge, Israel is safe from the Philistine threat. (v.13) Not only that, they took back all the cities that the Philistines had conquered, from Ekron to Gath. (v.14) They also had peace with the Amorites.
            All of this came about because of two things: Samuel’s godly leadership and Israel’s willingness to genuinely repent of their sin and turn back to the LORD.
 
            Verses 15-17: For the rest of his life, Samuel serves Israel as judge, traveling each year to all the major cities, similar to the old fashioned circuit riding preachers in America in the 18th and 19th centuries. (v.15-16) As judge, he is responsible for settling disputes among the citizens and performing sacrifices on their behalf as high priest. Each year, when his tour is ended, he returns to his home in Ramah. (v.17) There he builds “…an alter unto the LORD.”

CHAPTER 8:
             Verse 1: In all the previous instances that a judge was appointed over Israel, it has always been God who selected and equipped that man to rule and fight on behalf of the people. Yet here in verse 1, it says that Samuel – not the LORD – chooses the judges to take his place. Samuel makes the error of presuming God’s will and not consulting Him first before making a major decision that will affect the course of the whole nation.
 
            Verses 2-5: As with Eli, we shouldn’t automatically blame Samuel for the way his sons turn out. Given what we know of Samuel and his godly character, the more logical conclusion is that Joel and Abiah reject God in favor of their own pride and selfish gain. As with Eli’s sons, they use their power and position of authority to make themselves wealthy by accepting bribes and perverting justice, a clear violation of God’s law. (v.3) (Exodus 23:6, Deuteronomy 16:19)
            Because of this, the tribal elders come to Samuel and demand that he remove his sons from power. Instead of a judge, they want a king to rule over the nation. (v.4-5) Instead of looking to God as their authority and the source of their providence and protection, the people look around them at the heathen nations and decide that they’d rather be like them.
 
            Verses 6-9: Samuel, of course, brings this matter to the LORD. (v.6) God tells him to do as the people ask. Israel is not rejecting Samuel, they’re rejecting God. (v.7)  This is a pattern with Israel ever since God brought them out of Egypt, and he tells Samuel to warn the people of the consequences of a king. (v.8-9)
 
            Verses 10-18: Samuel tells the people exactly what life will be like under the rule of a king. He will take their sons and daughters to be his soldiers and servants. He’ll require tithes of all that the people produce with their labor: crops, money, and livestock. All the best that the people have to offer will automatically go to the king, including portions of their land. And when the day comes that the people cry out to the LORD because they no longer want a king, He will not hear them.
            Verses 19-22: As expected, the people refuse Samuel’s council and insist on a king that will rule over them and defend them from their enemies. (v.20) Israel’s focus is on the nations around them, and they see kings with mighty armies who win great battles and conquer cities. This view is ironic given what Israel has witnessed ever since arriving in the promised land. They have quickly forgotten how easily the hand of God smote those kings and armies on behalf of Israel.
            When Samuel seeks God’s response to the people’s stubbornness, the LORD tells him again to “Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king.” (v.22)
 
            This passage is a perfect example of how God allows us our free will, even when our choices will have negative consequences. God did as Israel asked, even though the path they chose caused the nation much trouble and grief later on. As the old adage goes, “Be careful what you wish for”. Israel’s lack of faith and trust in God robbed them of many blessings, yet God also used their poor choice to bring about the birth of the Messiah, the One that would one day save not only Israel but all mankind. This is a perfect example of God’s sovereignty. He already knew of Israel’s future choices in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned, and He factored that monarchy into His divine plan of salvation for all mankind.