After a stinging defeat at the hands of the Philistines, the elders of Israel have a plan to strike back. It’s their secret super weapon. Why they didn’t bring out the weapon in the first place, we don’t know. But now they do, and the super weapon has a profound effect on the Philistines. Let’sContinue reading “The arrogance of Israel’s super weapon – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 3”
Tag Archives: 1 Samuel
Is God to blame for the times life goes wrong? – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 1
Did you have a spiritual crisis and turn to God in grief, “Why Lord?” when a container ship hit the Key Bridge in Baltimore, and six people lost their lives? You were likely saddened and even appalled. My guess is that the disaster was like the many, many other disasters that happen so frequently; theyContinue reading “Is God to blame for the times life goes wrong? – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 1”
Putting yourself in a position to hear from God – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 3
There was evil in the tabernacle. All the people knew it. God was also taking notice. Read 1 Samuel 2:27-36 here, and then return to the post. Those verses are brutal, right? God sends an unnamed prophet to give a dark, dark message for Eli. He is saying, “Eli, what your sons are doing isContinue reading “Putting yourself in a position to hear from God – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 3”
The primary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 2
What do you think is the primary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus? Think about it a moment. There are numerous potential answers. You might even think of biblical passages that might provide some answers. I think the story that we’ve been following this week on the blog, a story found in 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a,Continue reading “The primary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus – 1 Samuel 2:12-4:1a, Part 2”
The biblical background to 1st Samuel – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Part 1
Today we start a new blog series on the life of the great warrior poet king David of ancient Israel. We read about David’s life in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st Kings briefly, and in the parallel account in most of 1st Chronicles chapters 11-29. This blog series will primarily follow theContinue reading “The biblical background to 1st Samuel – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Part 1”
A Lament for Dark Days – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Preview
“Hello darkness, my old friend.” Can you imagine singing that lyric during a worship service? No? Me neither. It’s the start of the Simon & Garfunkel song “The Sound of Silence.” Great song, but we probably wouldn’t sing it as a praise to God in a worship service. What about this line: “Why, O Lord,Continue reading “A Lament for Dark Days – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 