1 Samuel

“RUNNERS, take your marks,” the starter

barks his signal, and the crowd turns quiet at-

tention to the athletes walking toward the line.

“Get set”... in position now, muscles tense,

nervously anticipating the sound of the gun. It

resounds! And the race begins. In any con-

test, the start is important, but the finish is

even more crucial. Often a front-runner will

lose strength and fade to the middle of the

pack. And there is the tragedy of the brilliant beginner who sets the pace for a time, but does not even finish. He quits the race burned out, exhausted, or injured. First Samuel is a book of great beginnings... and tragic endings. It begins with Eli as high priest during the time of the judges. As a religious leader, Eli certainly must have begun his fife with a close relationship to God. In his communication with Hannah, and in his training of her son Samuel, he demonstrated a clear understanding of God's purposes and call (chapters 1; 3). But his life ended in ignominy as his sacrilegious sons were judged by God, and the sacred Ark of the Covenant fell into enemy hands (chapter 4). Eli’s death marked the decline of the influence of the priesthood and the rise of the prophets in Israel. Samuel was dedicated to God’s service by his mother, Hannah. He became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. He was a man of prayer who finished the work of the judges, began the school of the prophets, and anointed Israel’s first kings. But even Samuel was not immune to finishing poorly. Like Eli's family, Samuel's sons turned away from God, taking bribes and perverting justice. The people rejected the leadership of the judges and priests and clamored for a king ‘like all the other nations have” (8:5).

Saul also started quickly. A striking figure, this handsome (9:2) and humble (9:21; 10:22) man was God’s choice as Israel's first king (1 0:24). His early reign was marked by leadership (chapter 11) and bravery (14:46-48). But he disobeyed God (chapter 15), became jealous and paranoid (chapters 18—19), and finally had his kingship taken away from him by God (chapter 16). Saul’s life continued steadily downward. Obsessed with killing David (chapters 19—30), he consulted a medium (chapter 28) and finally committed suicide (chapter 31).

Among the events of Sau’s life stands another great beginner—David. Aman who followed God (13:14; 16:7), David ministered to Saul (chapter 16), killed Goliath (chapter 17), and became a great warrior. But we'll have to wait until the book of 2 Samuel to see how David finished.

As you read 1 Samuel, note the transition from theocracy to monarchy; exult in the classic stories of David and Goliath, David and Jonathan, David and Abigail; and watch the rise of the influence of the prophets. But in the midst of reading all the history and adventure, determine to run your race as God’s person from start to finish.

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We see a vivid contrast between young Samuel and Eli’s sons. Eli’s sons were selfish, but Samuel was helpful. Eli's sons defrauded people, but Samuel grew in wisdom and gave the people messages from God. As an adult, Samuel became a prophet, priest, and judge over Israel. A person’s actions reflect his character. This was true of Samuel and of Eli’s sons. It is also true of us. Strive, like Samuel, to keep your heart pure before God. Saul showed great promise. He was strong, tall, and modest. God’s Spirit came upon him, and Samuel was his counselor. But Saul deliberately disobeyed God and became an evil king. We must not base our hopes or future on our potential. Instead, we must consistently obey God in all areas of life. God evaluates obedience, not potential.

David quickly killed Goliath but waited patiently for God to deal with Saul. Although David was anointed to be Israel’s next king, he had to wait years to realize this promise. The difficult circumstances in life and the times of waiting often refine, teach, and prepare us for the future responsibilities God has for us.

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‘KEY PLACES

IN

1 SAMUEL

Ebenezer, and the Ark was captured.

However, the Philistines soon found

ae’ aa; iy. out that the Ark was not quite the

{ “Ps ae: o great battle trophy they expected.

ae ' a; For God sent plagues upon every

Philistine city into which the Ark was

brought. Finally, the Philistines sent

it back to Kiriath-jearim in Israet

:: (4:1—7:1).

Mediterranean } xX 4 Mizpah_ The Israelites’ defeat made

Sea Bigs: them realize that God was no longer

blessing them. Samuel called the

people together at Mizpah and asked

them to fast and pray in sorrow for

their sins. The assembly at Mizpah

was a tempting target for the confi-

dent Philistines who advanced for an

attack. But God intervened and routed

their mighty army. Meanwhile, Samuel

was judging cases throughout Israel.

But as Samuel grew old, the people

came to him at Ramah (his home

base) demanding a king in order to

be like the other nations. At Mizpah,

Saul was chosen by sacred appoint-

ment to be Israel's first king with the

blessing, but not the approval, of God

and Samuel (7:2--10:27).

5 Gilgal A battle with the Ammonites

proved Saul’s leadership abilities to

the people of Israel. He protected the

people of Jabesh-gilead and scattered

the Ammonite army. Samuel and the

people crowned Saul as king of Israel

at Gilgal (11:1-15).

6 Valley of Elah Saul won many other

battles, but aver time he proved to

be arrogant, sinful, and rebellious,

$0 God finally rejected him as king.

Unknown to Saul, a young shepherd

and musician named David was

anointed to be Israel's next king. But

it would be many years before David

sat upon the throne. Ironically, Saul

hired David to play the harp in his

palace. Saul grew to like David so

much that he made him his personal

armor bearer. In one particular battle

with the Phitistines in the valley of

Elah, David killed Goliath, the Philis- 1 Ramah Samuel was born in Ramah. Before his birth, Samuel's tines’ mightiest soldier. But this victory was the beginning of

JORDAN The broken lines (—-—-+) indicate modern boundaries. mother, Hannah, made a promise to God that she would dedi- the end of Saul’s love for David. The Israelites praised David cate her son to serve God alongside the priests in the Taber- more than Saul, causing Saul to become so jealous that he nacle at Shiloh (1:1—-2:11). plotted to kill David (12:1—-22:23). 2 Shiloh The focal point of tsrael’s worship was at Shiloh, 7 The Wilderness Even anointed kings are not exempt from where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant resided. troubles. David literally ran for his life from King Saul, hiding Eli was the high priest, but his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, with his band of followers in the wilderness of Ziph (where the were evil'men who took advantage of the people. Samuel, men of Ziph constantly betrayed him), the wilderness of Maon, however, served God faithfully, and God blessed him as he and the wilderness of En-gedi. Though he had opportunities grew (2:12—3:21). to kill Saul, David refused to do so because Saul was God's 3 Kiriath-jearim — Israel was constantly at odds with the Philis- anointed king (23:1—-26:25). tines, and another battle was brewing. Hophni and Phinehas 8 Gath David moved his men and family to Gath, the Philistine brought the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield, city where King Achish lived. Saul then stopped chasing him. believing that its mere presence would bring the Israelites The Philistines seemed to welcome this famous fugitive from victory. The Israelites were defeated by the Philistines at Israel (27:1-4).