Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 12

1 Samuel 12

-Samuel makes a magnanimous address before all of Israel now as this chapter depicts the solemnity of the situation as the nation transitions to a kingdom. Samuel, under God’s Voice, had listened to their call for a king, and that king had been appointed as Saul the Benjamite. Samuel acknowledged he was old and gray, about to pass on into eternity, and another must definitely take his place in leadership. He wanted confirmation from the people that he had acted nobly as their judge and sovereign. He had not stolen a single ox or donkey. He had defrauded no one. He had oppressed not one single person. He was honest and took no bribes in his tenure. He did not ever pervert justice. The people whole-heartedly agreed with his declaration. They knew he was indeed a man of God, faithful and true. God was witness of this and all agreed (1 Samuel 12:1-5).

-A brief recount of the national history and God’s graciousness to His people was given by the sage prophet. Then he exhorted them to now take their “stand” so as not to forget the great and mighty acts of the LORD their God as they entered this new phase of their existence. He pleaded with them not to turn aside, but to remain faithful as God’s chosen ones (1 Samuel 12:6-11).

-The new king is then confirmed in the remaining verses of this chapter’s text. His victory that the LORD gave him with Nahash is recounted. An admonition to fear the LORD is clearly stated so that they will listen to His Voice and not rebel against His commands. Following the ways of the LORD was fundamental for their success. If the opposite occurred, Samuel warned them vividly that the Hand of the LORD would indeed be against them for calamity as it was against their fathers. The prophet reiterates over again to take their “stand” so that they could see this great thing that God would do before their eyes if they would simply obey. Then he called out for a sign. The harvest was that day, and Samuel prophesied that the LORD would send thunder and rain as a sign that their wickedness was great before God in asking for an earthly king. The thunder and rain came as he prophesied, and all the people greatly feared both the LORD and His prophet, Samuel. They asked for prayers of intercession on account of this great and awesome sign. They feared the LORD would kill them, as He had previously done at times when disobedience was disciplined. They acknowledged that they had added to their sins by asking for a king at this point. Samuel told them not to fear. Even though this was an evil, they could still follow the LORD in their transition to a kingdom. The choice would be theirs. If they served the LORD with all their “heart” all would be good. However, they would reap the consequences if they turned aside from the ways of the LORD to go after futile things, which could not “profit or deliver” them. Then there was this promise, “For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His Great Name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.” Moreover, Samuel promised that it would be his duty before God to intercede for them and instruct them in the good and right way. If he shrunk back from that, it would be a sin against his call from the Almighty. He reminded them again at this point to “fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” Then a final warning, “But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king will be swept away (1 Samuel 12:12-25).”

-*Application* Acknowledgement in fear of the Almighty is our first step towards redemption. Incredible principles for the Christian life our given here in this chapter for us to chew on. We definitely need to take our stand in this generation. We need to give God our whole heart. We need to follow His ways allowing Him to direct our paths. We should never shrink back from our call in whatever capacity the LORD has called us to. Intercede, instruct, challenge, exhort, have impeccable character, these are all qualities we should aspire to in our lives. Meditate on these things today.

Verses to Memorize: 1 Samuel 12:14-16, 22, 24

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 11

1 Samuel 11

-Nahash, the Ammonite (of the sons of Ammon east of the Dead Sea area), came up and besieged Jabesh-gilead on the east side of the Jordan. The men of Jabesh were afraid and asked for a covenant of peace to serve the Ammonites. But the conditions laid on them from Nahash were extremely harsh. He told them that if they became a reproach to all Israel by having their right eye gauged out by his people, then there would be an agreement not to kill them. The elders of Jabesh asked for a seven-day decision period to get their brothers input from Israel. If there were none to deliver them, then they would accept the brutal terms of this offer (1 Samuel 11:1-3).

-The messengers sent out by the elders of Jabesh came to Gibeah of Saul and spoke these words, which Nahash had threatened them with, to all the people. This caused the inhabitants to lift up their voices in weeping and wailing. As Saul came in from the field this day, he asked why all the commotion and weeping. When he heard what was going on, the Spirit of the LORD came upon Saul mightily again, and he became angry with righteous indignation. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them into pieces and sent them throughout the territory of Israel through messengers telling them, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” This caused the dread of the LORD to come on all the people, and they came out as one man, unified and determined. War was in the air at this point. The warriors of Israel were numbered just to the west of the Jordan River at Bezek, just across the river from Jabesh-gilead. Their number came to 300,000, and Judah had 30,000. They informed the messengers who had come to them to go tell their brethren in Jabesh-gilead, “Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have deliverance. This gave hope and life to these messengers as well as the people of Jabesh-gilead. They were indeed glad. The men of Jabesh-gilead let them know that they would be coming out for battle the next day and do everything that seemed good to them in service. The next morning Saul commanded the army of Israel by putting them into three distinct companies, and they came into the midst of the camp for a fight at the morning watch. They struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day scattering the survivors so that no two were even left together (1 Samuel 11:4-11). A complete and utter victory was achieved!

-The naysayers that were worthless men of negativity (1 Samuel 10:27) were now sought out by the people of Israel in the aftermath. They said, “Who is he that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul showed humility and grace in this instance seeking no revenge and giving glory to God, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has accomplished deliverance in Israel.” Samuel stepped in at this point, “Come and let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.” Therefore, everyone went to Gilgal to the south along the Jordan River on the west side, where Israel had first camped in the Promised Land before their attack of Jericho. There they made Saul king before the LORD and offered sacrifices of peace offerings before their Covenant God once again. “And there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly (1 Samuel 11:12-15).” It was a great day in the history of Israel.

-*Application* There are leadership lessons to be learned from this particular passage. The elders of Jabesh-gilead were prudent in taking some time for their decision and seeking extended council. This saved their city and their days. Saul showed some moxy by being filled with the Spirit and taking quick, decisive, bold action in the face of a threat. He was able to unify a body and fight a worthy, just fight. Afterwards, Saul did not act vindictively or harsh in his victory towards those of his own clan who had opposed him and had spoken ill of him. In other words, he had a forgiving spirit. This is grace. Then, Samuel wrapped it all up with a faithful act of worship in a holy place. There was a celebration of all God had accomplished and an established peace. This sets the standard for any organization to emulate.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 11:13

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 10

1 Samuel 10

-Samuel anoints Saul as the ruler over God’s inheritance with oil poured over his head (1 Samuel 10:1). This was a symbolic coronation that this was much more than just a political act of establishment. This king of Israel would be God’s representative to the His people. A priest or prophet always did the anointing, which ties into Jesus’ future completion of the office of Prophet, Priest, and King (John 12:48-49, Hebrews 2:14-18, Revelation 19:16). The oil was an expensive mixture of olive oil, myrrh, and other spices in a beautifully fragrant offering. It represented the Holy Spirit’s power and presence in the person who was being anointed denoting great responsibility to lead God’s people by the LORD’s wisdom and not his own.

-Samuel then gave some instructions to this newly anointed king. He told him that when he went from him that day that he would find two men close to Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah. These would let him know that the donkeys had been found and that indeed the father, Kish, was anxious about his son’s well-being. Saul was told to go on from there to the oak tree of Tabor where he would find three men going up to God at Bethel (the House of God). They would be carrying three young goats, three loaves of bread, and a jug of wine. Saul was informed that he would be offered two loaves of bread, which he should accept from their hand. They would then proceed to the hill of God, where the Philistine garrison was, and meet up with a group of prophets in the city who would be coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them. They would also be speaking the word of God in prophesy as they came. Samuel told Saul, “Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. It shall be when these signs come to you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you (1 Samuel 10:2-7).” Then Samuel told him to go down to Gilgal afterwards and wait for seven days until Samuel could come offer burnt offering, sacrifice peace offerings, and show him what he should do (1 Samuel 10:8).

-But, it happened when Saul turned his back to leave Samuel that God changed his heart and all those signs prophesied by Samuel came upon him that day. When they came to the hill, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily right away so that he prophesied among them. All who knew Saul previously were astonished. They asked, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul among the prophets?” It would be like...so and so has got religion now. A hard to believe occurrence and work of the LORD. It became known as a proverb, a general truth, that Saul was one of those among the prophets of the LORD. After he finished prophesying, he came to the high place. At that time, Saul’s uncle came to him and his servant asking where he had gone? Saul told him the sequence of events as they went looking for his father’s donkeys and how they came upon Samuel to gain understanding about the donkeys’ safety. The uncle really wanted to know what the prophet Samuel had told him, but Saul only kept it surface. He did not reveal to his uncle the matter of the kingdom’s anointing, which Samuel had placed on him (1 Samuel 10:9-16).

-Thereafter, Samuel gathered all the people at Mizpah and declared the word of God. He explained again how the LORD had brought His people up from Egypt and delivered them from all of their oppressors. He then reiterated that they were now rejecting their Covenant God who had delivered them for an earthly king to be over them. He then had them present themselves before the LORD by tribes and clans. Benjamin was taken by lot in this ceremony. The tribe of Benjamin then went near by their families, and the Matrite family was taken. Saul, the son of Kish, was selected, but he could not be found even though they looked diligently for him. After finally inquiring of the LORD as to if he had come there yet, God revealed to them that Saul was hiding in the baggage (kĕliy- instruments, vessels, articles, implements, utensils). This was the first indication of Saul’s double-mindedness in the Scriptures. He had hesitation and ran from the call of the LORD. He had fear instead of faith at this point, even though the LORD had come upon him mightily and he had experienced change. He drifted some. Ironically, the people still persisted in their quest for an earthly king against God’s wishes as they “ran” and “took” Saul from his place of hiding. He was brought out a magnificent specimen of a man with stature far exceeding those around him, even though he had shown some qualities of a coward. Samuel extolled him as the man whom the LORD had chosen. There was no one like him among the people. Outward appearances seemed to prove the position. So all the people agreed and shouted out, “Long live the king!” Samuel then told the people the lawful ordinances of the kingdom as directed by God. He wrote them in a book and placed them before the LORD ceremoniously. Then he sent all the people away to each his own house. Saul went back to his home in Gibeah, and the valiant men whose hearts were touched by God went with him in support. However, there were some worthless men who wondered if he could truly have the power to deliver them. They despised him and would not bring him any present. In fear probably rather than humility, Saul kept silent and did not oppose these skeptics (1 Samuel 10:17-27). This is further beginning evidence that Saul would be an inferior king.

-*Application* Be strong in the LORD by the power of His might. Don’t drift from your call or be afraid. God is never pleased with that. God was with Saul, but he never fully appropriated that in faith. He shrunk back. We cannot afford to do that with our lives (Hebrews 10:38-39). So stand up and be courageous in Christ.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 10:6

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 9

1 Samuel 9

-The back story of Israel’s first king is given here in the 9^th chapter. Kish, a man of Benjamin, which was a tribe with quite a sordid past during the time of the judges (Judges 19-21), had a son by the name of Saul who was extraordinarily handsome and head and shoulders taller than any other Israelite. He was from all exterior appearances a choice candidate to lead the people, and the LORD took note of this in His sovereign plan. Kish had some lost donkeys that he sent his son, along with one of his servants, to go out and find. They went all throughout the hill country of Ephraim, Shalishah, and Shaalim, but they could not find their missing donkeys. They even searched their homeland of Benjam in their journey, but could find nothing. When they came to the land of Zuph and came up empty again, Saul concluded that at this point his father would be anxious and send out a search party for them forgetting all about the animals. This is when the servant recommended a man of God who was in this city who was held in honor with all his words coming to fruition. He thought they should inquire of this man for some wisdom in their journey before returning home. Saul agreed, but they were short on supplies and would be expected to give this type of individual a gift according to cultural norms upon their arrival. Their bread was gone; there was no present other than a forth of a shekel of silver. This they would give in hopes of getting him to tell them their way to go on their hunt. Samuel at this period in Israel’s history was called a seer rather than a prophet. And so they went ahead towards the city, Samuel, and God’s divine destiny (1 Samuel 9:1-10).

-As they went up the slope of the city, they found some young women who were going out to draw water from the well. They asked them, “Is the seer here?” They answered in the affirmative, but they told him he’d better hurry for the people had a sacrifice that day at the high place. They relayed to him that he would find him before his duty and his eating ritual. His blessing on the sacrifice was all important to the people, and they would eat until he came. And then, only those whom he invited would be able to eat. Then they reiterated that he hurry and go up in order to find him (1 Samuel 9:11-13).

-Saul and his servant went up to the city, and as they came in, providentially, Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the high place. The LORD had revealed to His prophet the day before Saul’s coming that a man from Benjamin would be coming to him for him to anoint the prince over His people Israel. This anointed one was promised to deliver the LORD’s people from the hand of the Philistines because God regarded His peoples’ cries for help (1 Samuel 9:14-16). At first look, Samuel knew in his spirit that Saul was the one whom God had appointed. The LORD told him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people.” Saul approached the prophet unbeknownst and asked him, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.” Samuel then told him who he was and instructed him to go up before him to the high place for he would be eating with the man of God that day. Samuel also told him that in the morning he would let him go after he told him all that was on his mind. He then gave Saul some assurance. The donkeys which were lost three days before had been found. Further, all that was desirable in Israel was for him and his father’s household (1 Samuel 9:17-20).

-Saul’s response showed humility and surprise, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?” Samuel took Saul and his servant into the hall and gave them a place at the head of those who were invited to the meal, about 30 men were there. Samuel then instructed the cook to bring him the portion that he had given him earlier to set aside. Then the cook took up the leg with what was on it and presented it to Saul. He ate with Samuel that day. Later, when they came down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of where he would lodge for the night. The next day they arose early and Samuel continued the pivotal conversation as he was about to send them away back on their journey home. Saul and Samuel were on the street of the city strolling along. As they got down to the edge of the city, Samuel had Saul’s servant to go on ahead of them so that he could have a private talk with the future king. As Saul stood still, Samuel proclaimed the word of God to him, which is picked up in the next chapter (1 Samuel 9:21-27).

-*Application* The miraculous nature of the prophet of God is super evident here in this text. We too can hear from God for the extraordinary in this age of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. When was the last time the LORD revealed something that was supernatural and incredible? If these types of things aren’t happening, we probably need to tune in a little, or really a lot, better. God wants to reveal things to us that will blow our minds. Samuel’s faith was such that he knew that at the appointed time on the next day, God would bring about all that He promised. Do we know God’s Voice and trust Him like that?

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 9:17

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 8

1 Samuel 8

-When Samuel was old, having completed a very successful time as judge in Israel, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. This appears to be nepotism more than God’s call. Samuel had somehow failed to impart his Godly wisdom into his two boys, Joel and Abijah, who were aimlessly judging in Beersheba. These two boys turned aside from the righteous ways of their father by 1) accepting dishonest gain, 2) taking bribes, and 3) perverting justice. Despicable leadership led to unrest and a turning point in Israel’s history as the elders gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. At this time, they wanted a king to be appointed to them by Samuel to judge them “like all the other nations.” This idea displeased Samuel, and he took this issue before the LORD his God. Much to his surprise and chagrin, God’s Voice told the prophet, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them (1 Samuel 8:1-7).” God further explained His displeasure with their decisions. But, it was par for the course. They had committed deeds against Him, their Sovereign Master and Keeper of the Covenant, since the days He had brought them up from Egypt. His people, called by His Name, continuously forsook their God and served idols. Now, in Samuel’s generation, he was getting to know first-hand their unfaithful ways and petty insecurities. Therefore, God told His prophet to listen to their voice, but with a solemn warning and the proper procedure for the king that would be over them. God was at work in all of this for His salvation plan of Prophet, Priest, and ultimate King, but Israel would soon go through the tumults of bad kings (along with a few really good ones) and oppression due to their misguided desires (1 Samuel 8:8-9).

-Samuel faithfully relayed all the words of the LORD to the people who wanted an earthly king over a God appointed judge over their territory. The procedure of the king who would reign over them would:

1) take their sons and place them in his chariots for his own personal gain,

2) take their sons and put them among his horsemen, make their sons run before his chariots,

3) make them command troops by the thousands and of fifties (big and small),

4) make their sons do the plowing of his field,

5) make their sons reap his harvest,

6) make their sons make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots,

7) take their daughters for himself for perfumers, cooks, and bakers,

8) take the best of their fields, vineyards, and olive groves to give to his own servants,

9) take a tenth of their seed and vineyards to give to his own officers and servants,

10) take their male servants, female servants, and best of their young men and donkeys for his own work,

11) take a tenth of their flocks, and make the people his servants to the point that they cry out but to no avail because the LORD will not listen in that day.

“Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel (speaking for the LORD in fact)” and they maintained, “No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” Samuel repeated these words before the LORD that the people had belligerently spoken. Then the LORD spoke again to His prophet in the same manner, “Listen to their voice and appoint them a king.” Samuel dismissed the elders back to their own cities at this point (1 Samuel 8:10-22).

-*Application* Can we say end of an era? When things get corrupt and broken down, change seems to rule the day. Sometimes the change is a good thing. At other times change takes us from the proverbial frying pan into the fire if you know what I mean. Be careful to pay attention to the LORD’s Voice in these times of difficulties, and don’t try to fix your situation in our own strength. We definitely don’t want to go from bad to worse, and this can happen. Discernment is key here. God in His grace will always warn us when we’re about to take a misstep. Pay attention to the red flags. Avoid catastrophe if we can. God has a time for everything, and yes He is still in control no matter what we might decide.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 8:7

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 7

1 Samuel 7

-The men of Kiriath-jearim came and took the Ark of the LORD bringing it into the house of Abinadab, who lived on a hill. They consecrated his son, Eleazar, to keep the Ark. It remained there for a long time, 20 years in fact, while all of Israel “lamented after the LORD.” Their lamentation no doubt was due to the 50,000 plus people that had lost their lives from looking in the Ark illegally (1 Samuel 6:19-20; 7:1-2).

-Then, the prophet Samuel re-enters the scene. He speaks to the house of Israel, “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:3).” The sons of Israel responded positively to this directive by removing all the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the pagan gods of the region, from among their midst. They indeed “served the LORD alone.” After this, Samuel directed them to gather all Israel to Mizpah, which was northeast of Kiriath-jearim and close to Ramah in the central hill country. There Samuel would pray for them. So, they gathered and drew water and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted in repentance for their sin that day. Thus, Samuel judged Israel at Mizpah with a holy righteousness and Godly love (1 Samuel 7:4-6).

-When the lords of the Philistines heard what was going on at Mizpah, they went up against their Israelite counterparts. Israel, the Bible claims, was afraid and pleaded with their prophet, Samuel, to keep praying to the LORD God without ceasing in intercession. This was the right heart. They desired salvation by the LORD from the distress that the Philistines threatened (1 Samuel 7:7-8).

-Samuel now offered up a suckling lamb, an innocent baby lamb, to the LORD as a whole burnt offering. He cried to God on behalf of his people, “and the LORD answered him.” As Samuel was offering the burnt sacrifice, the Philistines drew near for battle against Israel. But, in classic miraculous fashion, “the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were routed before Israel.” The men of war in Israel went out of Mizpah pursuing their enemies and striking them down as far as below Beth-car towards the west (1 Samuel 7:9-11).

-The end result saw Samuel taking a stone, setting it between Mizpah and Shen, and naming it “Ebenezer (the stone of help).” He proclaimed, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” As for the Philistines, they were subdued and did not come back anymore within the border of Israel. In fact, the Hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel, the righteous prophet who prayed for his people. The cities which the Philistines had taken from God’s people were restored from Ekron even to Gath. This created a temporary, but successful, peace between Israel and the Amorites. Israel had once again been delivered from its enemies (1 Samuel 7:12-14).

-Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. He would constantly check on his nation as a judge by going annually, like his father faithfully did, around on circuit to Bethel (between Shiloh and Mizpah in the hill country), Gilgal (east of Jericho by the Jordan River), and Mizpah. When he completed his duties, he would return to his home in Ramah, where he had built an altar to the LORD (1 Samuel 7:15-17).

-*Application* We can essentially see the greatness of Samuel, this righteous man of God, in this narrative. His intercession, authority, and faithfulness are quite evident as we meditate on his rule as a judge in God’s country. When he prayed, he got results. God was with him to deliver His people. We can experience this same type of ministry only through the sole power of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in our lives. His truth transforms and delivers us from our enemies. Seek the LORD with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 7:3

Bible Study Notes in 1 Samuel- Chapter 6

1 Samuel 6

-For seven months the Ark had been with the Philistines, when they wisely decided to send it back and away from their regions. They called for priests and diviners asking what the proper method might be to send it to its place and away from them. These individuals informed them if they were to send away the Ark of the God of Israel, not to send it empty, but rather put a guilt offering in it. This would ensure healing, and they would have the knowledge as to why His Hand had not been removed from them. The guilt offering consisted of five golden tumors representing the five lords of the Philistines from Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. The guilt offering also was to include five golden mice that ravaged their land. They were also instructed to give glory to the God of Israel with the hopeful expectation that perhaps He would ease His Hand from them, their gods, and their land (1 Samuel 6:1-5, 17). They were then warned not to harden their hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh had done when God severely dealt with them and released the captives that were His covenant people (1 Samuel 6:6).

-Instructions were further given by the priests and diviners to make a new cart and attach to this cart two milch cows who had never before had a yoke placed on them. The cows’ calves were to be separated and sent back home away from them. Then, they were to put the articles of gold, the guilt offering, in a box by the Ark’s side, which was to be placed on the new cart. When that was all set up, they were to send it away that it may go from them. The Philistines were told to “Watch, if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He (the LORD) has done this great evil. But if not, then we will know that it was not His Hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance (1 Samuel 6:7-9).” The natural thing for the cows to do would be to instinctively go towards their calves back home. It would be supernatural, an act of the Almighty, for them to go towards Beth-shemesh. The men of Philistia did everything prescribed, and released the cows with the cart, which held the Ark and the guilt offering. Ironically, they went straightway towards Beth-shemesh along the highway lowing as they went. They did not turn aside to the left or the right. The lords of the Philistines followed them with watchful eyes all the way to the border of Beth-shemesh now fully knowing this evil had come directly from a mighty God, the LORD of Israel (1 Samuel 6:10-12).

-Now when the people of Beth-shemesh, who were busy reaping their wheat harvest in the fields of the valley area, saw the Ark of the LORD coming back to them, they were extremely glad to see it. The cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite, and the cows stood there where there was a large stone. The Israelites broke down the cart and quickly made a burnt offering of the cows to the LORD as they rejoiced. The Levites took down the Ark of the LORD and the box that was with it, which held the articles of gold. These articles where placed on the large stone and more burnt offerings and sacrifices were made before the LORD that day. The lords of the Philistines observed all of this taking place, and returned to Ekron that very same day (1 Samuel 6:13-18).

-However, not all the news from this occurrence was positive in the land of Israel. God struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had illegally looked into the Ark of the LORD. God had clearly warned them in His Law not to ever do this (Numbers 4:20), but they presumed upon Yahweh to their detriment in their curiosity. 50,070 men were struck down by the LORD, which turned the rejoicing into mourning within the land. It was a great slaughter of magnitude proportions. This caused the men who were left in Beth-shemesh to declare, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall He go up from us?” They decided to send messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, which was the closest major town north, to inform them that the Philistines had brought back the Ark of the LORD, and that they should come down and take it up to their city (1 Samuel 6:19-21).

-*Application* It is a dangerous thing to presume upon the LORD as we see in this instance. We should always take heed to His clear warnings. We cannot abuse the grace of God. Nothing happens by chance. This is another thing that we should glean from this episode. He is always in clear control, even of the animal kingdom, when He needs to make a point in fulfilling His appointed will.

Verse to Memorize: 1 Samuel 6:5