The Field's Musings

In both the lives of David and Saul we see: early success followed by grievous sins. Saul’s sins lead to bitterness and hatred. David’s sins lead to genuine sorrow and forgiveness from the Lord. Saul 1 Samuel 13:2-4 – Saul attacked the Philistines. The Israelites became ‘a stench’ to the Philistines. 1 Sam 13:8-14 = The Philistines have gathered to do battle against Israel. Many of the people were hiding in the mountains. Many people followed Saul (v7) The problem in this passage is that Saul performed an act only the Priest should perform. In 10:8 Samuel says that he is the one to perform the sacrifices. V12b ‘I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering’ literarily means ‘I made myself strong to do this’ Saul disobeyed by not trusting in the authority of God’s word. Duet 17 states that trust in God’s word is essential to Kingship. In 1 Samuel 14:24-26 Saul makes a foolish oath cursing everyone who eats food. Jonathon says (v29) ‘my Father has troubled the land’ Why did Saul make ...

A common theme in 1 Samuel: the establishment of Kingship under Saul found in 1 Sam 8-12. The idea of kingship Gen 1:26 – Adam is ordained as a ruler Adam was prophet, priest and king in the garden. Prophet = He spoke the word of God Priest = Mediator between God and creation King = He ruled the creation God is King of all and man was created in His image giving rulership over creation. The concept of kingship: Genesis 17:16, 35:11, 49:10 Requirements for kingship from Duet 17:14-20 V15 He must be a Hebrews V16 He must not be greedy God wants Israel to have a theocratic monarchy where God is at the centre of the Kingship. The book of Judges gives a picture for what life is like with a monarchy. Everyman became his own King. The book of Judges prepared the people for a King by showing them their need. 1 Samuel 8 What’s the problem in 1 Samuel 8 when the people want a King? There is nothing intrinsically wrong in the request. The evil was contained in the motives and underlying attitudes...

Redemption Continued Rom 11:26-27 ‘And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “ The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Christ is the deliverer that brings redemption to the people of God. Titus 2:13-14 ‘looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.’ Ephesians 1:7 ‘In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace’ He gave up His blood to make us rightful heirs of His Father. 1 Peter 1:18-19 shows the cost of our redemption: ‘knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Chr...