Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of 1 Samuel 15–31 Court intrigue is common to all cultures. Almost every Malaysian schoolchild would know the folk story of the brave Malay warrior, Hang Tuah, and his escapades in the courts of the Sultan of Melaka. As we continue our journey into 1 Samuel we are going to be introduced to another brave warrior – David, the second king of Israel. He is just a shepherd boy when we first meet him. How does he get to be king? David’s journey to kingship begins in the following readings. The familiar characters of Samuel, Saul and Jonathan relate to David in different ways, either to encourage or thwart his progress. When we were last in the court of King Saul, we would have observed that Saul was already slipping in his relationship with God. As we continue in our readings, we will find him, time and again, being told that his reign is over. Sadly, that message from God does not register with him. His desire to continue as king gives rise to his conflict with David. There’s a fair amount of detail written about the main characters. We will get to know them as individuals with their strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. Above all, we will find them to be complex real-life characters who are not very different from us. As each interacts with the other, responds to circumstances, and either resists or obeys God, we wonder what we would do in their sandals. We will learn about God in these passages not through doctrinal statements as seen in text books but through God’s dealings with men and women we are going to meet in the text. These passages will fascinate us as we engage in active relationship with them, and they will teach us more about our Sovereign God. Wiser Than God? Read 1 Samuel 15:1-35 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 Whether we are from the east or the west, it is in our human nature to think we know best about everything. Sometimes we think we even know better than God! Saul thought that he knew better than God. That was why he did not take the death sentence God passed on the Amalekites seriously. Note how differently Samuel responded to God’s call to kill the Amalekites. (vs 32-33). It seems terrible that all the Amalekites including their innocent babies had to be killed (v 2). Then again, the Hitlers and Pol Pots of this world were once innocent babies. Furthermore, verse 18 tells us they were wicked–like their forefathers. Whatever the case, we have to acknowledge that since God is the Giver of life, He has the right to take it. We do not know better than God. He knows best. When Samuel first confronted Saul over his disobedience, Saul was defensive (vs 20-21). He made it seem as if he was doing God a favour by sparing some of the animals. However, when Samuel exposed his rebellion, Saul admitted his sin (vs 24-25). But was he sincere in his repentance? Or was it all a show to prevent Samuel from abandoning him and thus causing him to lose face with the elders (v 30)? God knew Saul better than Saul knew himself. While Saul did not see any reason why he should not continue as king, God knew it was all over for him (vs 27-29). God knows us better than we know ourselves. He also knows what is best for us. It is in our best interests to obey Him in all matters. Indeed, it would make no sense to have a mega church with fine furnishings and high tech lightings if the members do not obey God.