Christian Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Focus on the Family

    Strengthening families through biblical principles.

    Focus on the Family addresses the use of biblical principles in parenting and marriage to strengthen the family.

  • Guest, Join Papa Zoom today for some uplifting biblical encouragement! --> Daily Verses
  • The Gospel of Jesus Christ

    Heard of "The Gospel"? Want to know more?

    There is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men, by which it behooves us to be saved."

Looking for Samuel

2024 Website Hosting Fees

Total amount
$905.00
Goal
$1,038.00
38) Looking for Samuel

1 Samuel 22


All those who are in trouble join David about 400 men. Saul is told about Ahimelech giving food and Goliath’s sword to David. As a consequence he sends for Ahimelech and all the priests of his father’s house. And Saul tells his servants to kill God’s priests but they refuse. So Saul asks one of his men, an Edomite to kill them and he kills 85 priests and women and infants and animals. One son of Ahimelech escapes and goes to David.

- Saul has lost his mind!

- He kills 85 God’s priests and their wives and infants!

- He thinks he can oppose God without paying the consequences!

- He will die for that, he and all his sons!

- And the israelites will keep doing the same paying a high price!


 
39) Looking for Samuel

1 Samuel 23


God tells David to strike the philistines and help Keilah. And he killed many and rescues the inhabitants of Keilah. Saul goes to besiege David in Keilah. David leaves Keilah because God tells him that the leaders of Keilah will surrender him to Saul. Then David stays in the wilderness. Then Saul goes to the wilderness in search of David. Saul’s men are close to David and his men. But a messenger tells Saul to leave and look for the philistines who have made a raid on the land.

- Saul keeps looking for David to kill him!

- But God protects David and helps him to survive!

- God blesses David in everything he does!

- David carefully listens to God to know what he must do!
 
40) Looking for Samuel

1 Samuel 24


Once again Saul looks for David in the wilderness with 3,000 men. There there is a cave and Saul relieves himself whereas David and his men are inside the cave. David doesn’t kill Saul but cuts off the edge of Saul’s sleeveless coat. And David prevents his men to kill Saul. Then David calls out after Saul and tells him he could have killed him but he didn’t do it. Then Saul tells David that he knows he will become king of Israel so he asks David to swear that he won’t annihilate his descendants and Saul goes home.

- Once again God protects David!

- And Saul goes away!

- But he will try again to kill David!

- It is something stronger than him!

- Even if he knows it is against God’s will!

- But he has the power!

- Thus he only understands power and violence!


 
- May I ask a question to everybody ?

- I will let people time!

- Then I will answer too!

- There is no trap!

- WHAT IS ALL THE BIBLE ABOUT EXCEPT THE FACT THAT IT IS GOD’S WORD ?

- There may be different answers depending on the elements we have!
 
Samuel 1:

We are told about Samuel before he gets born!

Samuel 1:1

  • Hannah is barren!
  • In Yah·weh’s house, she makes a vow!
  • If Yah·weh gives her a child she will give him to him!
  • And he will serve in Yah·weh’s house!
  • Finally she becomes pregnant and gets a child!
  • And as promised, she brings him to Yah·weh’s house!
  • Thus Samuel has the privilege to be educated in Yah·weh’s house!
  • What an incredible beginning!
  • The possibility to start a special personal relationship with Yah·weh!

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Samuel.html

Samuel, whose name means “heard of God,” was dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, as part of a vow she made before he was born (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah had been barren and prayed so fervently for a child that Eli the priest thought she was drunk (1 Samuel 1). God granted Hannah’s request, and, true to her promise, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord. After Samuel was weaned, likely around the age of four, he was brought to the tabernacle to serve under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:22–25). Even as a child, Samuel was given his own tunic, a garment normally reserved for a priest as he ministered before the Lord in the tent of meeting at Shiloh, where the ark of the covenant was kept (1 Samuel 2:18; 3:3). Traditionally, the sons of the priest would succeed their father’s ministry; however, Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked in that they were immoral and showed contempt for the Lord’s offering (1 Samuel 2:17, 22). Meanwhile, Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men (1 Samuel 2:26).

At a time when prophecies and visions were rare, Samuel heard what he first believed to be Eli calling him during the night. Though the young Samuel was ministering in the tabernacle, he still didn’t know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him (1 Samuel 3:7). The first three times the Lord called Samuel, the boy responded to Eli. Eli then understood what was happening and instructed Samuel to respond to the Lord if he called again. Then, "The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ’samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, ’speak, for your servant is listening'" (1 Samuel 3:10). God gave him a message of judgment to relay to Eli. The following day, Samuel took his first leap of faith, telling Eli everything, even though the message was bad news for Eli and his family (1 Samuel 3:11–18). Eli responded with acceptance. Samuel’s credibility as a prophet spread throughout Israel, and God continued to reveal His Word to His people through Samuel (1 Samuel 3:20–21).

The Philistines, perennial enemies of Israel, attacked God’s people. Eli’s sons were killed in the battle, and the ark of the covenant was captured and taken to Philistia. Upon hearing the news of his sons’ deaths, Eli also died. After several months, the Philistines returned the ark to Israel, where it remained at Kiriath Jearim for over twenty years. As the Israelites cried out to God for help against the Philistine oppressors, Samuel instructed them to be rid of the false gods they had been worshiping. With Samuel’s leadership, and by God’s power, the Philistines were overcome, and there was a time of peace between them (1 Samuel 7:9–13). Samuel was recognized as the judge of all Israel.

Like Eli’s sons, Samuel’s two sons, Joel and Abijah, sinned before God by seeking dishonest gain and perverting justice. Samuel had appointed his sons as judges, but the elders of Israel told Samuel that because he was too old and his sons did not walk in his ways, they wanted Samuel to appoint a king to rule like other nations had (1 Samuel 8:1–5). Samuel’s initial reaction to their demand was one of great displeasure, and he prayed to God about the matter. God told Samuel that they had not rejected him, but had rejected God as their king. God gave Samuel leave to permit their request but warned the people what they could expect from a king (1 Samuel 8:6–21).
 
In time, Saul, a Benjamite, was anointed by Samuel as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:1). Even so, Samuel called on God for a sign to show the Israelites the evil of choosing to replace their true king—God—with an earthly king (1 Samuel 12:16–18). After a time, Samuel learned that Saul had been rejected by God to lead His people because of Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 13:11–13). Samuel immediately warned Saul that God had already sought out a replacement for him (1 Samuel 13:14). After Saul continued to disobey, Samuel denounced him as king (1 Samuel 15:26). Samuel returned home, never to be at King Saul’s side again, but he mourned for him (1 Samuel 15:35). God instructed Samuel to choose another king from the family of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1), and Samuel anointed Jesse’s youngest son, David (1 Samuel 16:13). Samuel died before David was made king, though, and "all Israel assembled and mourned for him" (1 Samuel 25:1).

The life of Samuel was pivotal in Israel’s history. He was a prophet, he anointed the first two kings of Israel, and he was the last in the line of Israel’s judges, considered by many as the greatest judge (Acts 13:20). Samuel is cited alongside Moses and Aaron as men who called on God and were answered (Psalm 99:6). Later in Israel’s history, when the Israelites were living in disobedience to God, the Lord declared they were beyond even the defense of Moses and Samuel, two of Israel’s greatest intercessors (Jeremiah 15:1). This is a clear indication of the power of Samuel’s prayers—and the depth of Israel’s sin in Jeremiah’s day.

There is much to learn from the life of Samuel. In particular, we see the sovereignty of God in Israel, no matter whom the people chose to reign over them. We may allow other things or people to occupy the throne of our hearts, but God will always remain sovereign and will never accept usurpers to His authority in the lives of His subjects.

We can imagine how daunting it must have been for the young Samuel to give an honest account of his first vision to Eli. However, it appears that, even from a young age, Samuel’s absolute allegiance was to God first. There may be times when we feel intimidated by those in authority, but, as Samuel proved more than once, it is God who must remain our priority. The world may look on us cynically when we remain steadfast in our faith. However, we can be confident that God will vindicate those who have remained faithful to His Word (Psalm 135:14).

Though Samuel had deep reservations about letting the people have a king, he was quick to consult God about the matter and abided by His decision (1 Samuel 8:6–7). Many of us may consult God about important decisions in our lives, but how many of us are ready to accept His counsel and abide by it, especially when it appears to go against our own desires? Leaders in particular can learn from Samuel’s example of the power he derived from his close relationship with God, generated by a healthy prayer life. Samuel was a great man of prayer, and his people respected him for it (1 Samuel 12:19, 23). Even though Samuel was aware of the evil in Saul’s life, he never stopped praying and mourning for him. Indeed, Samuel described it as a sin not to pray for the people under his care. Perhaps too quickly we may deem a brother beyond restoration when we see him fall into sin. Certainly, God’s plans for each individual will come to pass, but it should never stop us from continuing to pray and care for those who are weaker in their faith (Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14).

The main theme throughout Samuel’s life is that God alone should receive the glory and honor. After making his sons judges, it must have been a very sad thing for Samuel to learn that they were unfit to lead. When he consulted God about the people’s request for a king, nothing was said in defense of his sons. Samuel was obedient to God’s instructions to give the people what they wanted.

A key verse in the life of Samuel relates his words to King Saul: “But Samuel replied: ‘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’” (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience to God’s Word must always be our top priority.

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
  • At a time when prophecies and visions are rare, Yah·weh calls Samuel!
  • Though the young Samuel is ministering in the tabernacle, he still doesn’t know Yah·weh , and the word of Yah·weh has not yet been revealed to him!
  • It’s incredible to think that Samuel’s mother will put him on the right track and he will keep on this track!
  • He will never go on the left or on the right till the end of his life!
  • And he will lead Israel!
  • But he won’t be able to prevent Israel from taking a human king instead of Yah·weh, thus rejecting him!
__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
  • Even as a child, Samuel was given his own tunic, a garment normally reserved for a priest as he ministered before the Lord in the tent of meeting at Shiloh, where the ark of the covenant was kept!


  • It shows the importance of the event!


  • Something exceptional!


  • Yah.weh knew what would happen with Samuel!


  • And in fact Samuel guided Israel during all his life!


  • And he started when he was four!


  • It shows that a child must learn about Yah.weh as soon as possible!


  • Especially how easy it is for a child to go in the wrong direction!


  • Because of other children and of a bad education!


  • And all kinds of bad influences!


__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
  • On the one hand, Samuel kept on the right track!


  • And on the other hand, he could not prevent his own sons from going on the wrong track!


  • It shows again the responsibility of parents towards their children!

  • When I say parents, it means both parents!


  • And when there is only one parent, grandparents can help do the job!


  • It is a good way to strengthen the relationship between grandparents and their grandsons!


  • It is their biggest responsibility toward Yah.weh!


  • Today the majority of people have forgotten such a responsibility!


  • Then they can only blame themselves when their children go wrong!


  • Because there are so many bad influences in modern society!


__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
__________________________________________________________________________


  • Remember what Hannah did for Samuel!
  • Remember what Yah.weh did for Samuel!
  • Remember that Samuel stayed on the right track all his life!
  • Remember it was not by chance!
  • Remember that Samuel was jealous for Yah.weh!
  • Remember that Samuel’s sons chose the wrong track!
  • Remember that Eli’s sons chose the wrong track!

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
41) Looking for Samuel


1 Samuel 25

Samuel dies and all Israel mourns him. David sends some of his men to Nabal, a rich man and asks him for food because his men protected him. But Nabal doesn’t care so David wants to kill him. So Nabal’s wife Abigail sends food to David and goes behind her servants. She asks David to forgive her husband and accept her gifts. Thus David listens to her. Later God kills Nabal and David takes her as his wife. And David marries other women.

- Abigail is a good and intelligent woman!

- David listens to her and doesn’t kill her husband!

- Later when God kills Nabal, David marries Abigail because he knows she is a good and intelligent woman!

- In fact, he takes care of her!
 
42) Looking for Samuel


1 Samuel 26


- Once again Saul is told where David hides!


- So Saul goes with 3,000 men to look for David!


- At night, David comes to Saul’s camp with some men and they take Saul’s spear and water jug!


- then David tells Saul what has just happened and that he could have killed him!


- So each one goes his own way!

- There again we see the big difference with David before and after he becomes king of Israel!


- Before, he follows God straight away!


- After, he goes in the wrong direction!
 
__________________________________________________________________________


  • Remember what Hannah did for Samuel!
  • Remember what Yah.weh did for Samuel!
  • Remember that Samuel stayed on the right track all his life!
  • Remember it was not by chance!
  • Remember that Samuel was jealous for Yah.weh!
  • Remember that Samuel’s sons chose the wrong track!
  • Remember that Eli’s sons chose the wrong track!

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
43) Looking for Samuel


1 Samuel 27


- David decides to leave the land of Israel and looks for protection among the philistines!

- And Saul stops searching for him!


- At this time, David has only two wives, Jezreel and Abigail!


- He stays with the Philistines for a year and four months!


- And David would fight the Geshurtites, the girzites and the amalekites!


- He would kill men and women and keeps the animals and clothing!


- Thus they couldn’t speak to the Philistines!


- So Achish the Philistine king thinks David will always be his servant!


- Thus David shows himself cunning!


- Well, he has no other way to escape Saul even if God is with him!
 
__________________________________________________________________________


  • Remember what Hannah did for Samuel!
  • Remember what Yah.weh did for Samuel!
  • Remember that Samuel stayed on the right track all his life!
  • Remember it was not by chance!
  • Remember that Samuel was jealous for Yah.weh!
  • Remember that Samuel’s sons chose the wrong track!
  • Remember that Eli’s sons chose the wrong track!

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
44) Looking for Samuel


1 Samuel 28


- The Philistines are going to fight against Israel!


- Achish wants David to be his body guard!


- Samuel has died!


- Saul has removed the spirit mediums and the fortune-tellers from Israel!


- When he sees the Philistines, Saul is afraid!


- And God never answers him!


- So he asks his servants to look for a spirit medium!


- So they tell him about a woman!


- Saul disguises himself and goes to see her at night with two of his men!


- But she tells him that she can’t do it as it is forbidden!


- But Saul tells her she won’t have any problems!


- He tells her to call Samuel’s spirit!


- Of course, it can’t be Samuel’s spirit!


- Because Samuel wouldn’t get into contact with Saul when he was alive!


- And God wouldn’t answer Saul either!


- The woman understands that king Saul is in front of her!


- But Saul tells her not to be afraid!


- The spirit asks him why he inquires about him since God has departed from him and has become his adversary!


- The spirit then tells him that he will lose the battle!


- And Saul and his sons will die!


- And David will become king over Israel!


- According to man’s standards, God may take time to realize his decisions!


- But when the time has come, it happens!


- Thus time has come to put an end to Saul’s reign!


- Let’s David’s reign begin!
 
__________________________________________________________________________


  • Remember what Hannah did for Samuel!
  • Remember what Yah.weh did for Samuel!
  • Remember that Samuel stayed on the right track all his life!
  • Remember it was not by chance!
  • Remember that Samuel was jealous for Yah.weh!
  • Remember that Samuel’s sons chose the wrong track!
  • Remember that Eli’s sons chose the wrong track!

__________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • If you think like today’s people, you will never understand the Bible!
  • They used to write differently!
  • They used to speak differently!
  • They used to think differently!
  • They used to act differently!
__________________________________________________________________________
 
45) Looking for Samuel


1 Samuel 29-30


- Because of the other Philistine Lords, Achish tells David to go back to his city and not to fight!


- When David goes back to Ziklag, the Amalekites have made a raid against the city and have burnt it and taken captive the women and all the inhabitants in it!


- And David’s men want to stone him because of their sons and daughters!


- Then David asks God if he must chase after the Amalekites!


- And God tells him to go after them!


- David fights against the Amalekites and recovers everything!


- And God keeps blessing David who walks in God’s path!
 
Back
Top