1 Samuel 1-3

1 Samuel and 2 Samuel was written in Hebrew and used to be one book.  After many years it was translated into Greek and the book was divided into two parts.  Samuel was a prophet and not the author of the books.  The author is unknown.  It records the lives of Samuel, Saul and some of David.  It begins with the birth of Samuel and describes how he led Israel as a prophet, priest and judge.

1 Samuel 1 – Samuel’s Birth

The book starts with a list Elkanah’s family, which may indicate that he was an important man.  He had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah.  Hannah couldn’t have children and Peninnah would upset her because of it.  Elkanah loved Hannah very much although she couldn’t have a son for him.  She was very sad and even desperate for a son. 

Each year Elkanah and his family went to Shiloh to offer sacrifices.  One day Eli, the priest saw Hannah crying.  He saw her mouth was moving, but no words came out.  She was praying silently.  Eli watched and though she was drunk.  People didn’t say silent prayers, but prayed aloud.  Although she prayed silently, God heard her prayers.  She prayed humbly as a servant to God.  She felt God had forgotten her and that He was the only one to help her.  God answered her prayer and gave her a son, Samuel.

God always answers our prayers.  If we have to wait a while, it doesn’t mean they He has forgotten us.  Isaiah 49:15 – “I will not forget you”.

After Hannah had her Samuel, she didn’t go with Elkanah to Shiloh until he was about 3 years old.  Then she took him to Eli.  “I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord.  For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” – 1 Samuel 27.

1 Samuel 2:1-10 – Hannah’s Prayer

Hannah prayed a prayer that was full of praises to God.  She was very thankful to God for giving her a son.  She had felt shame for not having children, but God saved her from this shame.  She says “my mouth boasts over my enemies”.  - Samuel 2:1.  There was a sense of vindication over her rival, Peninnah.  “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2.  She praised Him for His actions – He brings life, death and lifts the needy.  At the end of her prayer is a prophecy.  “He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed”.  – 1 Samuel 2:10.  These words point to King David’s descendant, our eternal King Jesus.

Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord.  Samuel stayed there with Eli and ministered to the Lord.  I am sure it was hard to leave Samuel, but they had promise God and they kept their promise.  He became the Lord’s helper. 

1 Samuel 2:11-26 – Eli’s Judgment

With all the sacrifices brought to the tabernacle, a portion was give to God and a portion to the priest.  God’s portion was always given first so it was wrong to take the priest’s portion before they burned the fat.  The idea was that God should get the best.  Eli’s sons were wicked men and had no regard to for the Lord.  They were greedy and wanted the raw mean, maybe so they could sell it for more money.  They didn’t hesitate to use violence and threats to get what they wanted.

Eli heard how his sons acted, but only rebuked them.  They were even committing sexual immorality.  Because they didn’t listen when Eli rebuked them, God saw they were corrupt and warned Eli that He would deal with them and they would be punished.  Eli’s sons were not worthy to be his successor. 

In the mean time, Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.

A man of God came to Eli with a very important message about future events.  He told him that God would not bless his descendants.  Eli had allowed his sons to behave in this way as priests.  He told him that God would give him a sign that his sons will die in one day and Eli will know the judgment of God has come against his house. 

1 Samuel 2:28 is a summary of some of the priesthood duties.  The job of the High Priest was to minister to the Lord.  He was a servant of God first and then the people.  He brought sacrifices for atonement and worship.  He burnt incense which was a picture of prayer.  He wore special clothing that represented majesty, dignity, glory and beauty of God to the people.  He was responsible of receiving offerings from the people.

Because Eli did not correct his sons and by his actions chose them to the Lord, God said, “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.  I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.” – 1 Samuel 2:35  Eli and his family would one day be reduced to begging.  This promise to raise up a faithful priest was partially fulfilled in Samuel.  The promise was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the High Priest forever.

1 Samuel 3 – Samuel’s Call

Eli’s eyesight was going and he had gone to bed.  Samuel was lying down when he heard a voice calling his name.  He thought it was Eli so he went to Eli, but it wasn’t Eli who had called him.  Eli told Samuel to go back and lie down.  This happened a second time.  Then when it happened a third time, Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling Samuel so he told Samuel to go back and when it happened again he was to say, “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening” – 1 Samuel 3:9.  Then the Lord came and stood calling Samuel again.  He answered as Eli had said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10.  Then the Lord told Samuel what He was about to do.  “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.  At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family – from beginning to end.” – 1 Samuel 3:11.

God spoke to Samuel not silently, but in an audible voice.  Samuel answered by saying “Here I am!”  God knew where he was.  It just reminds us we are His servants asking what He wants us to do.  There are others who answered God in the same way – Abraham in Gen. 22:1, Jacob in Gen. 31:11 and 46:2, Moses in Ex. 3:4, Isaiah in Is. 6:8, and Ananias in Acts 9:10.  God often speaks to us today in an “inner voice”, but when He does He will confirm what He wants us to do in a variety of other ways.

When has God spoken to you?

How did you respond?

These are several lessons here:  we are to make ourselves available for God to speak; then we are to be obedient to His call; we are to respond to God; we are to humble ourselves before God and His Word.  The Lord stood may mean this time it was a unique appearing of the Lord.  Maybe it was Jesus Himself.

The “ears of everyone who hears will tingle” are signs of God’s severe judgment (2 Kings 21:12, Jer. 19:3).  Samuel already heard of the judgment to come on Eli and his family.  Since there was no repentance God confirmed the judgment through Samuel.

Samuel went back to bed.  I’m sure he didn’t get much sleep because His ears were probably tingling.   He probably asked himself if he should tell Eli or not.  The Scripture tells us he was afraid to tell him.   In the morning he told Eli everything the Lord had said.  Eli accepted it and said that He is Lord and will do what is good in His eyes.

Samuel grew up and the Lord was always with him.  “Let none of his words fall to the ground” mean Samuel’s prophecies came true.  All of Israel recognized that Samuel was a prophet of the Lord.  The Lord continued to reveal Himself to Samuel through His Word.

What has God revealed to you in His Word?

How are you a servant of the Lord?

Prayer is communication with God.  It keeps God’s people powerfully connected with Him.  It is a great privilege to be in His presence.  He always hears and answers in His perfect timing and His perfect way.  Hannah had to wait years for God to answer her prayers, but through it all she experienced God’s power to peacefully persevere.

Next week we will continue our study in 1 Samuel.  Hope to see you here.

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Ruth 1 - 4

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story in the Old Testament.  The author of the book is unknown, but some think it was Samuel.  The book is about 2 women who had lost everything.  Naomi lost her home and family because of famine and death.  Ruth gave up her life in Moab to accompany Naomi back to her home land.  Naomi claimed that God hated her, but she was wrong.  The loyalty of Ruth paved the way for the loyalty of God to show itself to Naomi. 

This book demonstrates that God responds to His people’s cry.  By providing for Naomi and Ruth, we learn that He cares for the outcasts of society just as He asks us to do in James 1:27.  We belong to a loving, faithful, and powerful God who never fails to care and provide for His children.  Like Ruth and Boaz, we are called to respond in faithful obedience in spite of the godless world in which we live.

THE MAIN CHARACTERS

Naomi was the widow of Elimelech.  She changed her name to Mara, which means bitter.  She begins the book empty and hopeless and ends the book renewed and with a new son.  Her plan for Ruth’s future reflected selfless love.

Ruth as a young Moabite woman is disgraced by her position and despised for her ethnicity.  By faith, she leaves her country, her people and her gods to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi and her God.  She was patient, selfless, loyal and obedient.  Her sacrifice and hard work to provide for Naomi reflected God’s love.  She never argued or complained.  Her selfless love is like that of Jesus’ love.  She is listed in Jesus’ genealogy.

Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s husband.  He was a godly man.  He was a rich and honorable.  He was responsible and generous.  Boaz saw Ruth as she collected grain from his fields.  He treats her with respect and kindness.  He views her as a worthy woman.  His loyalty as a kinsman reflected God’s faithfulness.  He was a kinsman-redeemer, a picture of Jesus, our kinsman-redeemer.  He marries Ruth and they became Israel’s royal family.  King David and Jesus belonged to this family.

RUTH 1 – The Choice

Because of famine in Israel Elimelech and Naomi moved to the country of Moab.  They had 2 sons who married Moabite women.  When Elimelech and his sons died, the women were left alone.  Naomi heard that things were better back home so she decided to return to Bethlehem.  She urges her 2 daughter-in-laws to remain there and begin new lives, but one of her daughter-in-laws, Ruth was loyalty to Naomi and went with her.  She told Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God.” – Ruth 1:16.

They arrived in Bethlehem and the town’s women recognized Naomi.  She explained her circumstances to them.  She said she had nothing, no husband, no sons, and that God was against her.  She thought her name should be Mara, which means ‘bitter’.  She still believed in God, but didn’t understand why her life was so sad.

RUTH 2 – The Provision

Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side.  His name was Boaz who was a rich and honorable man.  It was harvest time and Ruth offered to gather grain that the harvesters left in the fields.  This was called gleaning.  Landowners were to reap once and then leave what was left for the widows and the poor to glean for food.   Ruth chose Boaz’s field by chance, but we know God had a hand in it.  As Ruth was working in the field, Boaz arrived.  The foreman of the field told him who Ruth was.  Boaz accepted Ruth and gave her protection and offered he water.  He was very generous and kind.  Ruth was very grateful and humble.

Boaz continued to offer Ruth more than God’s law required.  He was happy for Ruth to share food with him.  He allowed her to take grain from the whole field not just the edges.  God is generous to us in the same way.

Ruth told Naomi about the field where she had been working.  Naomi told her that he was one of their kinsman-redeemers.

Kinsman-redeemer means to gain possession of something.  In this case it is a male who had the privilege or responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble or danger or need of vindication.  It was the obligation of the next of kin to buy back property for the family.  If a man dies and fails to leave behind a son, his brother or the nearest relative is commanded to take his widow as wife and both redeem the land and provide a son to carry on the deceased father’s name.

RUTH 3 – The Proposal

Naomi realizing that Boaz is a kinsman used the opportunity to regain the family properties lost by her deceased husband and also a chance for Ruth to have a new life.  So Naomi instructs Ruth on how to proceed. 

After the men finished harvesting they had to thresh the wheat and barley.  They worked all day and all night.  Naomi instructed Ruth to wash, wear perfume, and put on her best clothes.  She is to approach Boaz privately at the threshing floor.  She approaches Boaz while he’s sleeping positioning herself at his feet and waits until he notices her.  Then she is to announce her mission.  She proposes marriage to Boaz by requesting that he fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer.

Ruth showed courage and trust when she offered herself to Boaz.  He was surprised, but grateful that this young woman was willing to become his wife.  By this time Boaz and Ruth had spent much time together getting to know each other and were now in love. 

RUTH 4 – The Redemption

Boaz agrees to marry Ruth, but there is a problem.  There is one other kinsman who is a closer relative who would have to step aside for Boaz to marry Ruth.  Boaz confronted him in public so there would be witnesses.  He told him about the land that needed to be redeemed.  The man agreed to be the kinsman-redeemer.  Then Boaz told the man to redeem the land he would have to marry the widow, Ruth.  The man knew by taking her and into his home would ruin his own inheritance so he changes his mind and steps aside.  He man probably already had children and knew there would be problems dividing the land among his future children.  Boaz knew exactly what he was doing.  Now there is a clear way for Boaz, which was what Boaz wanted.

Ruth and Boaz were married and had a son named Obed.  Rahab was the mother of Boaz.  Obed became the father of Jesse and Jesse became the father of King David.  As you can see they are in the line of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:1-17)  Jesus, who is the greatest of all kings.

Principle:   Boaz foreshadows Jesus, our Ultimate Kinsman Redeemer.

Do you ever feel like you are losing everything?  God is on your side.  He will show His commitment to you through people like Ruth.

Have you ever felt deserted by God and people?

Have you ever sacrificed to help someone in deep need?

Who do you know that are loyal people like Ruth?

We all go through painful trials, but through them God allows us the joy of pointing others to their Redeemer.  Ask God to give you compassion and to see opportunities that He provides.  Then explain the way to redemption in Jesus.  God used Naomi to point Ruth to her redeemer, Boaz.  We can all be Naomi to those around us that still need to be redeemed.

Who do you know who needs Jesus as their Redeemer?

Jesus is woven throughout this book.  He is pictured by Boaz as kinsman-redeemer.  A kinsman-redeem had to be a family member.  Jesus added humanity to His eternal deity so He could be our kinsman and save us.  The kinsman-redeemer had the duty to buy back family members out of slave.  Jesus redeemed us from slavery to sin and death. 

Boaz was motivated by love for Ruth.  Jesus was motivated by His love for us.  Boaz had a plan to redeem Ruth.  Jesus had a plan to redeem us.  Boaz took Ruth as his bride.  Believers are called Jesus’ bride.  Boaz provided a glorious destiny for Ruth.  Jesus provides a glorious destiny for us.

LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH

We learn that God is concerned and cares about all people regardless of race, nationality or status. 

Man and women are both equally important to God. 

God uses all things, big or small, to accomplish His plans.  

God sent Jesus as our Redeemer to rescue us from our sins.

Everyone loves the love story of Ruth and Boaz.  I know I do.  Next week we will continue our study in 1 Samuel.  See you here.

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Joshua 22-24

Joshua 22 – Transjordan Tribes Return Home

Joshua told the Eastern tribes of Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh that they had done all Moses had commanded and had obeyed Joshua in every way.  Now they could go home to be with their families.  They would not be living in the Promised Land, but living near their enemies.  He warned them to be careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses gave them.  They were to continue to walk in all the Lord’s ways, obey his commands, hold fast to him and serve Him with all their heart and soul.  Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way.  (Joshua 22:1-9) 

We live near enemies today.  They are all around us.  We need to continue to walk in God’s ways.  We need to obey His commands.  We need to hold fast and stand firm and not let the world’s ways influence us.  We are to love and serve God with all our heart, soul, and mind.  So stay on our knees and stay in the Word daily.  Go to Him in every situation, big or small.  He will fight your battles as He did for Joshua.  Remember God is always with us and will never leave.

How can you stand firm and hold fast to God and His ways?

Do you take every circumstance to Him?

Also if we want to have peace in the religious world today we must recognize God’s Word, the Bible, as the only authority for religious practices today.  We must respect God’s knowledge and always present the truth.

When the Eastern tribes came near the Jordan, they build an altar to show they still belonged to Israel and still worshipped the Lord.  Some of Western tribes didn’t understand why they built this altar.  They became angry and wanted to fight.  They thought the Eastern tribes built the altar to honor themselves and not God.  (Joshua 22:10-12)

Anger can be dangerous.  When we jump to conclusions without knowing the whole story, it can cause arguments and even wars.  We do foolish things when we are angry.  Israel’s leaders made a wise decision before they went to war.  They sent men to talk to the Eastern tribes and reminded them of their history.  But the Eastern tribes explained that the altar was built so their children would worship with the rest of Israel.  They didn’t want to rest of Israel to say in the future that they had no part with the Lord since they were on the east side of the Jordan. (Joshua 22:13-25) 

They were at peace again and decided to build another altar to be a witness for all generations that they all will worship the Lord and will offer offerings.  This pleased everyone and there was no more talk of war.  (Joshua 22:26-34) 

When have you jumped to conclusions before you knew the facts?

What was the result?                               

Principle:  Loyalty to God brings unity among His people.

Joshua 23 – Farewell and Warnings

Joshua spoke to the leaders and reminded the Israelites to recognize what God had done for them.  God was to one to fought for them and gave them the land that He promised.  He will continue to work for them and will keep all His promises.  He challenged them to be strong and to obey all that was written in the Book of the Law of Moses.  He warned them not associate with any of these nations that remained, not intermarry, and not to serve their gods.  If they did then God would no longer be with them to drive out the remainder of the nations.

He addressed the leaders, because there were too many people to address them all.  It was more practical to talk with the leaders.  Then the leaders could share with the others.  That is way it is very important to have godly leaders, because they set the examples and they lead and guide the people.

We should remember God is on our side.  He’s working for us and will keep all His promises. We too should be strong and obey God’s instructions.  We should not become friends with God’s enemies and should not worship false gods.  We should not marry non Christians.  God will not be happy and they will hurt you in the end.  Christians must be careful.  God will not forget us if we do evil things, but our evil actions will spoil our fellowship with God.  He wants us to be loyal to Him.

Principle:  Believers take God’s commands and warnings seriously

Do you take God seriously?

Do you teach your kids to do the same?

Joshua warns about having idols.  How do you identify idols?  There are many forms of idols.  We can rely on family, investments, and even church in place of God.  Anything we put our hope in other than God is idolatry.  In every generation, idols appeal to our sinful desires.  They are everything we magnify or make more of, than God created them to be.  Many things dominate our lives and can become idols.  It’s what’s in your heart.  It’s how you spend most of your time.  If it isn’t Jesus, it’s an idol.  Replacing Him with idols produces emptiness and destruction. 

Joshua 24 – Renewed Covenant and Leaders Buried

Joshua reminded the people about Abraham and what God had done in the past.  Joshua and Israelites made a covenant with God.  He again told the people what they must do.  They were to give honor to the Lord, serve Him, only do what God says, and not worship false gods.  They had a choice to make.  To serve God who brought them out of Egypt or serve other gods, the gods of Canaan.  It was their choice.  Joshua and his family chose to serve only the Lord.

Joshua knew their history and all their disobedience.  Israel is still struggling today to get their land back.  Joshua knows his failures.  God is forgiving, but not to be served lightly.  We have a choice, too.  We can sever God or the false gods of ambition, entertainment, career, etc.  All these false gods can stop us from serving the real God.  Joshua said, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

The people promised the serve the Lord because it He brought them out of Egypt and saved them from slavery.  We must serve and worship God, because of has freed us from our sin.  He sent Jesus to die on the cross for us.  That is why we must worship only Him.

Joshua says that God is a jealous God.  What does that mean?  Jealousy is like a man married to his wife.  When she has an affair, He is grieved.  That is like the Lord married to the church.  When we take His name in vain and worship other gods He has the right to be jealous.  He wants our loyalty.  He wants our undivided love and attention.

What in your life cause God to be jealous?  Our time and possessions belong to God.  When we think it is our own, it causes pride, selfishness and ingratitude.  He created us and intended for us to spend eternity with Him.  His jealous love is unfailing and ending.

At the end of the chapter we see the death of Joshua and Caleb.  Joshua had been a great leader.  He had great faith and knew God would keep all His promises.  He was a living, historic picture of Jesus as he called God’s people to obedience, dealt with their sin and led them into the promised land to receive their full inheritance.  God urges us all be like Joshua.  “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Principle:  Our choices reflect what we truly value.

Next week we will study Ruth.  See you here.

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