March 18, 2025 - 1 Samuel 11-13

The Ammonites fought against Jabesh-Gilead and offered them a non-deal, i.e., that if the men of Israel would allow their eyes to be put out, they could have peace.  Wow, what kind of peace is that?!  Jabesh-Gilead asked for time to consider the offer, and Saul noticed something terribly wrong:  “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?”  So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh.  And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled” (11:5-6).  Saul called all Israel together, the Ammonites were defeated, and Jabesh-Gilead was delivered.  Samuel’s death was not far off, and he encouraged the people:  “For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself” (12:22-23).  Now, Saul was about to commit a great sin in wrongly offering a sacrifice before going to battle.  In this, and in so many ways, Saul proved to be unworthy of the kingship.  But Israel’s hope, even if they thought it was, was never to be found in a man; rather it was the Lord who would always walk with his people and keep them for himself.  That promise is made throughout the Bible, Old and New Testaments, and it’s a promise that so lifts us and gives us a sure hope.

By His love attended,

By His grace defended,

Every day He crowneth me

With joy and song;

Should the way be dreary,

I can never weary,

Trusting Him who gently leads me

All along.

All along,

All along;

Though I wander through the desert,

Praise the Lord;

Still the cloud is o’er me,

Going on before me;  

Step by step the light I follow;

Praise the Lord.   --Fanny Crosby (1884)