Day 96-11

VI From the crossing into Canaan to the reign of Saul - 1422-1065 B.C. ~ cont.

C. Establishment of Judges ~ cont.

11. 11th Judge - Samson (served 20 years) - Judges 15:20

a. Warning to Eli - 1 Samuel 2:22-36

b. Ark taken, death of Eli (98 years) - 1 Samuel 4:1-22

c. Ark became a curse to Philistines, remains there seven months - 1 Samuel 5:1-12; 1 Samuel 6:1
d. Ark restored and brought to Bethshemesh - 1 Samuel 6:2-21, 1 Samuel 7:1
e. Ark rests at Kirjath-Jearim - 1 Samuel 7:2

{pages 422-427}

Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (1 Samuel 2:22)

Why did he allow the behavior?  Why do I allow and/or tolerate behavior in my children or myself which is not pleasing to God?  Eli's sons were killed by the LORD for their rebellion.  O Lord, help me to confront whatever sin I am allowing to reign in my home or life and rout it out.  Cleanse me this day Father from an apathetic heart and mind.  Help me to be a bold contender for giving a proper estimate of You in all areas of my life.

And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.  (1 Samuel 4:3)

Did they ask?

How oft do we go about in our own thoughts, thinking to do that which is pleasing to the Lord,  but not seeking counsel from Him?  Lord, forgive me for the times when I do not seek You first, but plow ahead thinking that something is 'good' and 'right' and use my own thoughts to determine a course of action.

And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. (1 Samuel 4:7)

Were they referring to the ark?  Had it ever been taken into battle prior?  Hmmm...something to research.  :-)

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.  (1 Samuel 6:9)

I made a note next to the verse above.  Would this be considered a fleece?  The Philistines were unsure, however, their thought that the plague(s) were from the Lord were substantiated when the cart, kine, offering, and ark went 'home.'

Lord guide the steps of Your people, give us an earnest desire to seek and know Your plans and purposes for us.  Help us not to be fearful or afraid of the changes and challenges You may allow in our lives as we continue this Pilgrim's journey to our Celestial City.