Notes

Background:

· 2:12-26. We see wickedness of Eli’s sons and impending judgment on Eli’s family

· 3:1-21. Calling of Samuel. Given message to speak against Eli.

· 4:1-22. Ark of the covenant (symbolic of God’s presence) is captured by the Philistines. Eli dies when he hears this.

· 6:1-7:1. Ark is returned to Israel, but sent to Kiriath Jearim.

Theme of this story is very familiar in the Bible: the turning of Israel to God and the renewing of their relationship

A. Renewing of the Covenant Relationship (vv. 2-6)

v. 2

· Israelites mourned and sought after the LORD due to the reduced status of the ark. It is not being housed in a tabernacle, but in Abinidab’s house (v. 1) the past 20 years!

· The fact that the whole time Samuel governed the ark was never brought to its place in the tabernacle is evidence of the decay of spiritual fervor among them.

· “All of Israel turns back to God”.

· True repentance and conversion begin in lamenting/mourning after the Lord

v. 3-4

· Samuel encourages them to “return to the LORD” and to serve Him whole-heartedly.

· Those things, which had replaced God in their affections, were to be put away.

· Idolatry and foreign gods being worshiped by Israel. Baal and Ashtoreth were the chief god and goddess in the Canaanite land during this period. Baal was god of fertility and the storm. Ashtoreth was goddess of love and fertility.

· Disobedience always seems attractive and full of promise, but never works out (ex. Garden of Eden).

· Called to serve God only (Exodus 20:3-6, Matt 6:24)

· Some sort of link established between faithfulness/obedience and blessing/curse (God’s covenant)

v. 5-6

· Corporate repentance. Samuel acting as mediator.

· Longing of our hearts needs tangible, external expression (v. 6 – fasting/confession).

B. Results of the Covenant Relationship (vv. 7-11)

v. 7-11

· Philistines predictably attack. Battle ends with the defeat and routing of the Philistines (vv. 10-11)

***However, the important drama is between Israel and Samuel. The physical threat provides the context for a spiritual issue.

1). Samuel “cries” out that the LORD my “rescue” (v. 8). Israel cries, Yahweh saves.

2). As PROMISED in v. 3, Yahweh hears, answers, and acts. He is faithful to Israel. Covenantal modes of faith and power are in action. The claims and assumptions of the covenantal order are shown to be reliable and effective.

3). At the outset, the Philistines are strong and threatening and the Israelites are fearful and intimidated (v. 7). By the end, the Philistines are defeated and Israel is safe once again (vv. 10-11).

4). What counts is the covenantal loyalty to God. Out of such loyalty the crisis was settled. Had nothing to do with how imposing/strong the Philistines were.

5). This exchange utilizes Israel’s oldest covenantal actions: Samuel creid, Yahweh answered (v. 9). This is the core of biblical faith. To cry to God is to acknowledge trust in and release in God.

6). The “cry” of Samuel is an act of repentance, and act of acknowledgment, and therefore an act of rightly relating to God. The counterpart to Samuel’s cry is that God answered. He is faithful. He is attentive. Everyone who asks will receive (Matt 7:8). It is in the character of this God to attend faithfully to the genuine need of faithful people.

7). The outcome of Samuel’s cry of prayer is stated in vv. 10-11. God answers with thunder. Thunder is a massive show of power. The real hero of this story is not the soldiers, but God! The simple theology of verse 3 has turned out to be correct and reliable: Faithful Samuel cries. Faithful God answers effectively. It is God who gives the victory.

C. Remembering the Covenant Relationship (vv. 12-17)

v. 12-17

· Victory is always a victory given by God.

· Stone set up by Samuel is reminder (Josh 4:6-9) to give tribute to God for deliverance.

· The high moments of our lives need to be remembered.

· Ebenezer literally means “stone of help”. How does remembering past occasions help us in the present and future?

Grace Covenant Church

Fall ’01 Family Group

Character Study: Samuel

“How Victories Are Won”

1 Samuel 6:21-7:12

Share about a once sour relationship that turned sweet

1. ****Physical (external) conditions often point us to greater spiritual (internal) truths***

Discuss:

Physical conditions/actions (vv. 1-6) Spiritual lessons/truths (vv. 1-6)

1). Ark has been away for over 20 years 1). Decay in Israel’s relationship w/ God.

2). Israel mourned and sought after the LORD 2). True repentance begins with a lamenting after God

3). Rid themselves of idols 3). Things that replace God in our affections need to be

put away with. Idolatry destroys relationship w/ God.

4). They served the LORD only 4). God is a jealous god. Ex 20:3-6, Matt 6:24

5). Losing battles to the Philistines 5). Unfaithfulness leads to spiritual defeats.

6). Corporate fasting and prayer 6). External expression of a desperate situation/need.

(optional questions:) “What are some idols in your life that may be hindering you from a more intimate relationship with God? “Why is God such a jealous god?” “How do you respond when you are losing spiritual battles?”

2. How were the Israelites able to defeat the Philistines? (vv. 7-11) What can learn about our relationship with God?

· Samuel “cries” out that the LORD may rescue. Israel cries, Yahweh saves. When we pray, God answers/works. Beautiful picture of man and God seemingly working together.

· Prayer is our weapon. They had no weapons and were unarmed. They were there to fast and pray, not to fight. Prayers and tears were the only weapons they had.

· Samuel intercedes with God for them by offering sacrifice. Lamb symbolizes the Lamb of God, which was accepted by God. Christ is the ultimate sacrifice who gives us spiritual victory!

· GOD’S FAITHFULNESS to His promise. V. 3 – as promised, when we are obedient and faithful to Him, God is faithful to us. This is a basic foundation in our covenant relationship w/ God. What counts is our covenantal loyalty to God! Out of such loyalty the crisis was settled. Had nothing to do with how imposing/strong the Philistines were.

· Enemy frightened away by thunder. Threw them into a panic. Josh 10:11. God scares off the enemy. He has power to defeat using any means necessary.

3. What is the significance of the stone in v. 12?

· Reminder to give tribute to God for deliverance.

· Victory is always a victory given by God. Ebenezer literally means “stone of help.”

· High moments of our lives need to be remembered.

“Do you have any spiritual stones (Kodak moments) in your life?”

Application: Reflect on your relationship with the Lord and spend some time in prayer.