7:10,11
While the sacrifice was being made, the Philistines approached to engage in battle. However, the Lord thundered against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, so that they were routed. If we look at the battles in the Old Testament we some where standard military tactics were used and the battle was won. We see others where miraculous means won the battle. It is not always one or the other. Here we have the miraculous sort. After the Lord had thrown them into confusion, the men of Israel pursued and slaughtered the Philistines.
7:12
Stones were often set up as reminders or memorials to things that God had done. Samuel saw this event as significant so he set up a stone calling it “Ebenezer”, which means “stone of help”. The significant elements were (i) Israel repented and took actions in keeping with repentance, i.e. getting rid of their idols; (ii) they sought the Lord’s help; (iii) a sacrifice was made; (iv) Samuel called upon the Lord; (v) the Lord delivered them from their enemies.
No comments:
Post a Comment