“Thus the P’lishtim were humbled, so that they no longer entered Israel’s territory; and the hand of Adonai was against the P’lishtim as long as Sh’mu’el lived.”-1 Samuel 7:13
Recall the God pattern of deliverance we’ve been witnessing ever since the beginning of the book of Judges.
First, Israel is faithful.
Then Israel falls into apostasy.
Then Israel is oppressed by the enemy.
Then Israel cries out for help and repents.
Finally, Israel is delivered.
This is the cycle of deliverance we see over and over and over and over and over again.
I’m telling you this because I want you to be aware of the stage Israel is in right now in 1 Samuel…
Following the victory over the Philistines at Mitzpah, Israel is currently in the “faithful” stage of the deliverance cycle.
Which means for the time being, the Israelites will experience a period of peace and harmony with the Lord.
Now take a look at verse 13 which I copied and pasted above.
It says the shalom over Israel lasted as long as Samuel lived.
But how long was that?
Historically, we know that was well into the reign of King Saul.
Because Samuel died only a few years before Saul was killed.
Now there’s a huge takeaway here I don’t want you to miss.
In the beginning of his reign, Saul will experience a series of military victories.
Now although those victories will be credited to Saul…
Here’s the thing.
They happened NOT because of Saul…
They happened because God was protecting Israel on behalf of the righteous Samuel.
Got it?
We know this is true because soon after Samuel died, Israel once again fell into idolatry and oppression.
The takeaway here is that on account of one righteous man, God will offer blessings, protection and redemption….
And if you think about it, that is the very HEART of the gospel.
For the sake of one man called Yeshua, the Lord offers salvation to all of mankind.
Of course, we have to accept that one man…
But the fact that mankind has the option to receive God’s salvation on behalf of one person is amazing grace indeed!
See you all next time.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish,
but have everlasting life.”
-John 3:16
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