(1) The Ammonite king charged not only one town of Israel, but the whole Israel. Note what he said about gouging out the right eye of every person in Jabesh Gilead, "in so doing humiliate all Israel v.2" Why? When the enemy attacks one part, it means they doubt the unity of the whole country. The elders of Jabesh understood the Ammonite king and that was why he "send messengers throughout the territory of Israel v.3" So was Saul, he challenged the whole nation to fight together.
v.7b Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they went out as one army
Reflections: Unity is probably the strongest defense and offense of a country, and so it is to church. How can a young Christian willing to give up on sin and live like Christ? We all know that they need the Bible. But how can a young Christian start to read the Bible? They need to see the good examples of those who are practicing sanctification and these people are willing to teach the young Christians what they saw from the Bible. . Fellowship is the key for sanctification. When we stand together we can face the challenge of Satan's temptation.
Reflections: Unity is probably the strongest defense and offense of a country, and so it is to church. How can a young Christian willing to give up on sin and live like Christ? We all know that they need the Bible. But how can a young Christian start to read the Bible? They need to see the good examples of those who are practicing sanctification and these people are willing to teach the young Christians what they saw from the Bible. . Fellowship is the key for sanctification. When we stand together we can face the challenge of Satan's temptation.
(2) The unity was given by the LORD
a. God gave the fear of punishment on the people and therefore they all went off to help.
v.7b Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they went out as one army
b. When they renewed the kingship of Saul in the presence of God "Saul and all the Israelites were very happy. v.15." God gave fear to help the unity and God also gave joy when unity brought the good result.
Reflections: Saul could have cut the oxen and no one would come to join him in the battle. God brought the terror on the peoples' hearts. In other words, God brought that to home. Some people heard the Gospel but no result is seen. We can pray that the Holy Spirit brings the message home to that person. Here, it is interesting to see that God brings fear to people. Some kind of fear is good. Some good things can be accomplished by fear.
With unity to each other they won the battle together. With unity between Saul and the people they renewed his kingship. And with unity with God they can celebrate with joy. Do we have unity with God with others and with our leader?
2024
Bring spots
2024
Bring spots
1. The weakness of Israel was their lack of unity. It was probably so obvious that even Nahash the Ammonite knew about that. It was because the Jabesh Gilead told them, "If there is no one who can deliver us, we will come out voluntarily to you." Why the invading army wait for you to get help? It must be that the chance for anyone to help them is slim. This kind of humiliations was felt by the people in Gibeah (where Saul was) v.4. They cried not just bc they were weak, but their lack of unity was so obvious that people could humiliate them.
2. Israelites use the mentality of a king to treat Saul Then the people said to Samuel, “Who were the ones asking, ‘Will Saul reign over us?’ Hand over those men so we may execute them!”
However, Saul knew very clearly that the Spirit of God worked within him v.6. Also, Saul brought up the name of Samuel when he sent the pieces of the oxen throughout Israel v.7. He realized that His leadership was not solo, but with God (or His servant).
Reflection
1. Disunity is like a big hole, and is a easy target by the enemy. Even people within the group who knew about it could not help. May the unity of 3CW preserve by the LORD and Lord, please help me not to disrupt our unity.
2. Saul might enjoy all the glory by himself, but no. He knew it was not him who won the battle. 13 But Saul said, “No one will be killed on this day. For today the LORD has given Israel a victory!”
Am I willing to give the glory to the LORD when people give me glory? Do I know very clearly in my heart, it was not me, but the LORD who has worked?
Questions
1. They asked for help from each other v.3 and they cried v.4. That is my usual response as well. To get help from people around me.
2. God delivered them through Saul v.5-12 just as what He had said in 9:16. (the king would save the people from Philistines). It was the mercy of God that they still could get help. They did not deserved it.
3. The king v.12. The LORD v.13.
4. v.14 Samuel said to the people, “Come on! Let’s go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal, where they established Saul as king in the LORD’s presence. They offered up peace offerings there in the LORD’s presence. Saul and all the Israelites were very happy.
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