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Thinking Through 1 Samuel

While reading the Old Testament at times may seem dreary and bleak, there is something revealed throughout it that simply escapes so many readers. Sometimes it happens that within the same chapter or book of the OT one has both the feeling of distinct clarity and floundering confusion. BUT (!!!!) the good news is that, over time, one end of the spectrum becomes more weighty than it’s opposite. In other words, things become more clear as one’s spiritual maturity grows. Where this has proven true recently in my own study is in 1 Samuel, particularly in the 15th chapter.

God’s people Israel had previously begged Samuel for a king. They wanted a “leader” they could see, hear, touch, and experience “hand’s on” (1 Samuel 8). They wanted to be “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). God, of course, only wanted them to follow Him as King, Lord, Master, Creator.

Israel was granted their request, even after a severe warning from Samuel about the dangers of having a king (1 Samuel 8:10-18). Thus, much to Samuel’s dismay God gave Israel Saul for a king. At first, things seemed to be going well. Saul was crushing Israel’s enemies. Then, as happened throughout Israel’s history, she turned from faithfully following God and worshipped the created things and not the Creator.

In 1 Samuel 15:22-23, it all comes to a head. Israel had put its hope in sacrifices and “religion.” At this point, Samuel says, “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."

This was certainly Samuel’s cry to Israel, but in the whole scheme of things, this too is God’s cry to us. God delights in our faithful acceptance of his Kingship. Jesus Christ is the King of kings and is to be worshiped. This is to be the desire of our hearts, not “religiousity.”

posted by Bryan Laramore @ 6:16 PM