If King Saul Had Repented

Saul began his reign as a good king. He was humble because he was insecure. During the early days of his reign he listened to Samuel and accepted direction from the prophet. Then, as Samuel had foretold, Saul’s focus changed from God to himself. After a victory over the Amalekites—an occasion when he did not obey God—Saul built a monument to himself. (I Sam. 15:12)

God spoke to His prophet Samuel about the event and told Samuel that He regretted making Saul king: he has turned back from following Me. . . . (v. 11 NKJV)

Samuel felt the weight, and sought God all through the night. (v. 11) The next day he confronted Saul with God’s message.

If Saul had repented—and maintained a repentant heart—he could have remained king. But he did not. Instead, he blamed others. But the people. . . . he said. (v. 21)

At that point a devastated Samuel responded with a hard word: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king. (vs. 22,23) Saul lost his kingdom because he refused to repent. Samuel anointed David to replace him.

Originally published September 28, 1990.
Picture: Greater Twin City area, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Solemnly Forewarned

After the prophet Samuel had served many years as the Israelite’s judge—years during which he judged the people fairly—they decided they wanted a king like the nations that surrounded them.

Samuel was distraught. He felt they were rejecting him and his ministry, but God spoke to Samuel and provided a different viewpoint: they have rejected Me . . . However, you shall solemnly forewarn them and show them the behavior of the king who will reign. . . . ( I Sam. 8:7,9 NKJV)

Samuel obeyed God and warned the people as God said he should. He listed the cruel demands and devices of kings. But when they persisted, and when God arranged the circumstances, Samuel followed God’s Word to him. He anointed Saul—and the people of Israel made Saul their king.

But Samuel was still disturbed. Although he had warned the people once, he warned them again: if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel . . . that Lord will be against you. . . . 12:14,15) He emphasized that the people must serve and obey God rather than the king, but he knew it his heart, that his warnings would not have a lasting effect. He knew the people would turn to their king. And yet, as a prophet, he felt compelled to warn them. (12:14,15)

Originally published September 19, 1986.

Prophetic Prayer

On the crucial day when Hannah returned to Shiloh to leave her son Samuel with Eli the priest, she could have focused on her loss. Instead, she prayed. I smile at my enemies, she said, because I rejoice in Your salvation. (I Sam. 2:1 NKJV)

God did something special for Hannah that day. He gave her a vision and she prayed prophetically. She looked beyond the painful task at hand and looked into the future. In that moment, because she had released her son, she understood God’s plan for Israel and all humanity. She prophetically proclaimed the Second Coming of the Son of God. For by strength no man shall prevail, she declared. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces . . .The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed. (v. 10)

We could gloss over Hannah’s trauma, decide it would be easy for her to leave her little Samuel with Eli because he was in God’s care. The Bible gives us a glimpse of reality. As the family continued their yearly pilgrimages to Shiloh, Hannah continued to provide for him. She took robes that she had painstakingly made for her son so he would have something to wear during the coming year.

Can you imagine those yearly meetings?

We don’t know if Hannah asked for more children, but God gave her three additional sons and two daughters. No longer barren, she walked in His blessings. God honored the woman of faith who rejoiced in Him.

Originally published June 4, 1993.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

She Made a Vow

Sometimes God’s people have to get serious when they pray. And sometimes, when they get serious, they make a vow.

Hannah did. After years of taunting and emotional persecution by members of the family, she had a purpose when she went on the family’s yearly pilgrimage to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. There she wept and bared her heart before God, and then she prayed, [I]f you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord . . .” (I Sam. 1:11a NIV)

After Eli the priest blessed her, Hannah returned home, and within a year she gave birth to Samuel. Several years later, when Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow. She took him back to Shiloh, and there she gave him to the Lord by placing him with Eli.

Samuel ministered to the Lord in Shiloh. He became a prophet who called Israel back to God. He was also the last judge to serve as the governmental leader of Israel. He even anointed Saul, the first king—and then he anointed King David.

The heart-felt vow of the desperate Hannah helped shape the history of Israel.

Originally published May 13, 1983.

The Lord Thundered

When the Israelites gathered at Mizpah, they turned toward God. To act upon their resolve, they did something we might find strange—they poured precious water (they lived in a semi-arid country) onto the ground as an offering. Then they fasted and acknowledged their sin.

Whenever God’s people turn to Him, God’s enemies try to interfere. In this instance, the army of the Philistines advanced toward them, and the Israelites were afraid. Had they given in to their fear, they would have lost the ensuing battle.

Instead, they asked their leader Samuel to continue to pray fervently for them. Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it. . . . (I Sam. 7:9a)

We don’t offer suckling lambs today either—Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb. But regardless of the historical reference point, when people trust God and turn to Him, God has the upper hand in any ensuing battle.

The story of the Israelite battle is exciting: Now as Samuel was offering up the burn offering, the Philistines drew near . . . But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder. . . . (v. 10a)

Just like that, their enemy became disoriented and they were able to take the initiative by pursuing the Philistines and routing them out of the area. God intervened for His people when they cried out to Him.

Originally published October 11, 1991.