Samuel - The Last of The Judges

 

Introduction.  In the years after the children of Israel came out of Egypt, for approximately 300 years God’s people were governed by the law he had given to Moses and the leaders He selected known as “judges.”  These judges were not simply legal administrators but in many  cases they were military and political leaders.  When the Israelites turned from God He would allow them to face oppression from their enemies, then He would raise up a “judge” to deliver them.

 

            While this should have been a time of sincere faithfulness and reverence for God it was often a very chaotic and corrupt time.  The last verse of the book of Judges sums up this time in this way...

“In those days there was  no king in Israel;

everyone did what was  right in his own eyes”

God brought this period to an end by establishing a king over Israel (at the request of the Israelites themselves, because they wanted to be like the nations around them.  Yet, before He did so, He raised up one final judge.  HE raised up a man of faithfulness, dignity and courage – Samuel.

 

            Tonight for just a few moments we will study the life of this man who was the last of the judges and try to learn from him what faithfulness truly involves.

 

I.  Samuel’s Early Years.  Samuel’s story actually begins before his birth. 

 

A.  Background.  Father:  Elkanah (of the tribe of Ephraim - I Samuel 1:1)  Two wives: Peninnah (who had children) & Hannah (who was barren).  As I am sure was often the case when people in that time chose to defy God’s original plan of marriage and have more than one wife the one with children provoked the one without.  Which meant that Hannah was very sad because she was barren. (1:2,6).

They lived in Ramathaim Zophim  and went to Shiloh  once a year to sacrifice to God.  This was before the temple was built, and the tabernacle was in Shiloh.

1.      Hannah’s prayer.  (I Samuel 1:11-13).   Eli thought she was drunk, but she explains. Eli responds to her (1:17,18).  Samuel is born at Ramah  (1:20-22).  Note: Hannah’s words to Eli - 1:26-28.  (We need more mothers today who will “lend” their children to the Lord’s work!

Note:  Some time read 2:1-11.  It is a beautiful prayer that Hannah offers concerning this.  Samuel remained with Eli and ministered before the Lord there.

2.      Eli’s wicked sons (I Samuel  2:12).  Hophni & Phineas - “They did not know the Lord”.  Apparently what they did that was corrupt was this...  (vss. 12-17)

·         They claimed meat from the sacrifice offerings.

·         They would take this meat by force.  And also...

·         They would take the meat while still raw (with unburned fat upon it).

In contrast to this wickedness, Samuel served God faithfully.  In a “linen ephod” (2:18).  Every year his mother brought him a little robe (2:19).  Because of her sacrifice God gave her five more children  (3 boys, 2 daughters - 2:21).

Eli’s sons grew more and more corrupt - apparently having sexual relations with women who came to the door of the tabernacle.  The worst testimonial of Eli is that he heard about it and failed to restrain them  (2:22).  Read (2:27-29, 35).

3.      God speaks to Samuel (I Samuel 3:1-10) and gives a prophecy against Eli.  Why?  Because  “He did not restrain them” (vs. 13)  We don’t know how old these boys were.   It seems adults, because of the nature of their sexual sin, but Eli bore a degree of the their guilt because he hadn’t done his part. Children may go astray of their own choosing but woe to us if we contribute to this.

4.      The Prophecy fulfilled (I Samuel 4:1-11).  War with Philistines.  4000 died so they called for the ark of the Lord.  Hophni & Phineas go with the ark and this time 30,000 die (including Hophni & Phineas).  Notice this, corrupt leaders caused the people to perish. 

When Eli learns of this in sorrow he falls from the city gate and himself dies (4:12-18).  Even Phineas’ wife dies in birth when she hears the news.  She named her child Ichabod  (which means “inglorious”) because “The glory has departed from Israel!”

 

II.  Samuel’s Work As An Adult.

 

  1. Declares God’s word to Israel.  The Israelites regain the ark.  It is brought to Kirjath Jearim.  Samuel speaks to the Israelites (I Samuel 7:3-6).  They assembled at Mizphah.  When the Philistines hear about this assembly they gather for war but God gives the Israelites victory (7:7-11).

Samuel served Israel as a prophet and judge all his life (I Samuel 7:15-17).  He lived in Ramah.  He traveled in a circuit from Bethel, Gilgal,  and Mizpah.B. 

  1. Israel demands a king (I Samuel 8:1-4).  Note:  Parents’ faithfulness doesn’t guarantee the faithulness of children.  Apparently Samuel (unlike Eli) had at least done his part.  Though God was their king, they rejected him yet he allows them to appoint one.
  2. Samuel calls Israel to witness his faithfulness (I Samuel  12:1-7, 13-16 & 23-25).  Note:  His faithfulness gave his warnings credibility.  He warns them of the consequences of faithfulness and rebellion.  He prays for their faithfulness.

 

III.  Samuel’s Final Years.

 

  1. Saul’s unlawful sacrifice.  After victory against the Philistines Saul prepares to sacrifice to God.  Samuel tells him to wait until he is there (I Samuel 13:8-14).  This happens at Gilgal.
  2. Saul’s sin concerning the Amalekites.

1.      God’s instructions (I Samuel 15:1-3).

2.      Saul’s disobedience  (I Samuel 15:9)  He spared the king and the best of the flocks to sacrifice. Note: Both were acts of worship, but improper worship is sinful worship!

3.      Samuel’s rebuke  (I Samuel 15:10-15, 22-23).  Samuel leaves Saul (15:24-28).  This also happens at Gilgal.

C.    Samuel anoints David king  (I Samuel 16:1-13).  This happens at Bethlehem.

D.    Final events.

1.      Leads a group of the prophets (I Samuel 19:20).

2.      Dies and is buried at Ramah (I Samuel 25:1).

3.      Speaks from the grave (I Samuel 28:15-19).

 

Conclusion.  Lessons from Samuel’s life.

Will you practice this kind of faithfulness?   Will you heed God’s call to you through Scripture?  Will you say “speak for your servant hears?”