1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 31In this second major section <strong>of</strong> <strong>Samuel</strong>, as in the others, there are conflicts and reversals<strong>of</strong> fortune. These include Israel and the Philistines (4:1b-22), Dagon and the ark (5:1—6:9), and the people who did not rejoice and those who did (6:10-16). 86III. SAMUEL AND SAUL 7:2—15:35A. SAMUEL'S MINISTRY AS ISRAEL'S JUDGE 7:2-17As a totally dedicated Nazarite who followed the stipulations <strong>of</strong> the Mosaic Covenant asbest he could, <strong>Samuel</strong> became a source <strong>of</strong> deliverance for Israel. The writer recorded twodeliverances in this chapter.This section sounds more like the Book <strong>of</strong> Judges than does any other in 1 or 2 <strong>Samuel</strong>.The cycle <strong>of</strong> religious experience repeated six times in that book occurs here as well.That cycle consists <strong>of</strong> blessing, apostasy, discipline, repentance, deliverance,rededication, and blessing. <strong>Samuel</strong> exercised the same function as the judges whoseexperiences appear on the pages <strong>of</strong> Judges."In the books <strong>of</strong> <strong>Samuel</strong> there are three chapters which stand out asmarkers, characterized by their interpretation <strong>of</strong> historical changes takingplace in Israel's leadership structure. They are 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 7, 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 12and 2 <strong>Samuel</strong> 7. Not that the remainder <strong>of</strong> these books is 'non-theological,'for theological presuppositions undergird the whole, but in these chaptersa prophet expounds the divine word for each stage <strong>of</strong> the crisis throughwhich the people <strong>of</strong> God are passing." 87Note the continuation <strong>of</strong> the key word "hand" in this chapter (vv. 3, 8, 13, 14). It reflectsthe writer's continuing interest in the source <strong>of</strong> true power.1. <strong>Samuel</strong>'s spiritual leadership 7:2-4Twenty years after the Philistines had taken the ark <strong>Samuel</strong> led the people in nationalrepentance. 88 The Philistine oppression resulted in the Israelites turning to Yahweh forhelp (v. 2). <strong>Samuel</strong> told the people what they needed to do to secure God's blessing andvictory over their enemy. They needed to repent (cf. Deut. 6:13; 13:4; Matt. 4:10). Thepeople did so, and the hope <strong>of</strong> deliverance revived. Baal and Ashtoreth were the chiefmale and female deities <strong>of</strong> the Canaanite pantheon. 8986 Martin, p. 138.87 Baldwin, p. 33.88 Ralph W. Klein, 1 <strong>Samuel</strong>, pp. 65-66.89 The plural forms <strong>of</strong> these names are Baals and Ashtaroth (v. 4).