The Book of 1 Samuel Bible Study 7
Jacob's family went to Egypt with 70 people and lived there as slaves for almost 400 years.
Then they flourished and multiplied.
Many Bible teachers say that their population would have been 20 lakhs when they left Egypt.
They traveled to Canaan.
Moses led the people for 40 years.
After that, Joshua judged them for 52 years.
Then for 500 years, various judges judged the people of Israel.
Their last judge was Samuel.
This Samuel alone judged the people of Israel for about 60 years.
Finally, they asked for a kingly rule.
The last message of the prophet Samuel to the people of Israel is excellent in many ways. We can see it in this post.
Read the 12th chapter of 1 Samuel.
Farewell address of Samuel.
In his final speech, the prophet Samuel makes an important point.
That's what following God's ways is all about.
Whether Moses led, Joshua led, or the judges led, they must realize that God was the one who truly led them, the people of Israel.
Even though they sometimes do things that are not pleasing to the Lord
Lord did not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make them His people.
1 Samuel 12:22.
This was Samuel's final message to the people.
“Even though you have done such an evil thing, do not turn away from the LORD, but serve him with all your heart. Don't go after false gods; they cannot help you or save you, for they are not real.
1 Samuel 12:20.
The people of Israel were going to go into a new system, a monarchy. But even within that system, they are safe if only they walk in obedience to the Lord.
A mere monarchy will not protect them.
So the essence of his final message is that living in obedience to God is the salvation for the people of Israel.
If we compare this with today's situation, the people who rule our country can be anyone. But God is their ruler. We can get God's protection as we obey Him and walk in His ways.
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for us.
1 Samuel 12:24
In the future, we do not know what political changes will occur in our country, what economic decline will occur, what disadvantages will occur, and what will be the impact on our religious freedom.
It is our duty to pray for it.
Surely His protection is with us when we serve Him faithfully, live as witnesses, and exalt His name among the people of the world.
There is no other alternative. No matter how rich we are, that is no protection for us. Our only protection is to walk in His way and do His will.
In the same way, various changes are going on in the churches and in the organization according to the circumstances of the time. But the basic principle is to live to please Him, God's word, and true faith in His character. These will never change.
Ezekiel Shanmugavel.
Methods are many, principles are few;
Methods always change, principles never do.W.W.Wiersbe