7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him.
10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
Also Read:
INTRODUCTION: Samuel, the 13th judge of Israel was born of Levitical parents (1 Chronicles 6:16, 25-28; 1 Samuel 1:1). The date of hie birth was around 1070 BC. His mother was Hannah, a noble and good woman, married to Elkanah.
The meaning of the Hebrew word translated Samuel is ‘God heard’ (1 Samuel 1:20). Being a Prophet and a Seer, he was the last and greatest of the Judges of Israel, who were chosen by God to rule over the people, and to save them in time of war and oppression.
Prayer counseling
LESSON OUTLINES
HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
1. HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Samuel was a good and obedient man from childhood (1 Samuel 3:9-10). He was committed to serving God under the tutelage of Eli the Priest (1 Samuel 3:1a).
He was available to hear from God at a time when the word and visions from the LORD became rare (1 Samuel 3:1-4). He was bold to declare God’s counsel to the house of Israel when they abandoned God (1 Samuel 7:3).
He preferred the theocratic system to the monarchy demanded by the Israelites and he openly displayed his displeasure to the latter (1 Samuel 8:4-6).
He was known as an intercessor who hears from God (1 Samuel 7:8-9; Psalm 99:6-7). He was a man well known for his integrity (1 Samuel 12:1-4).
Prayer counseling
In 1050 BC, the Lord instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-17; 10:1). He defeated the Philistines and ended their forty years oppression of Israel in 1030 BC (1 Samuel 7:13).
Through this victory, the Israelites recovered their captured cities and had peace all the days of Samuel (1Samuel 7:14). God gave him the opportunity to also anoint David as king in place of Saul (1 Samuel 15:28; 46:1, 13).
The Lord did not let his word fail (1 Samuel 3:19). Prophet Samuel died in Ramah in 1011 BC and the whole nation mourned the loss of their beloved leader (1 Samuel 28:3).
Prayer counseling
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
The gift of Samuel to Hannah is a testimony to the fact that God knows the hearts of everyone and His promises never fail (1 Samuel 1:17-20).
Samuel was a passionate, consistent and faithful lover of God and His righteousness (1 Samuel 3: 20; 8:4-6).
God will always talk to His loved ones and reveal His secrets to them (1 Samuel 3:11).
Faithfulness to God commands authority and great respect from people (1 Samuel 15:26-28; 16:4).
We must choose to obey and honour God totally above men (1 Samuel 15:24, 32-33).
God helps and supports His beloved (1 Samuel 7:10).
Everyone must prepare for the day of accountability and reckoning because it is certain (1 Samuel 8:1-5; 12:3).
He was referenced in Acts 3:24 and 13:20 by the Apostles as a Seer and a Prophet and numbered in the hall of fame in Hebrews 11:32.
CONCLUSION God can make use of you like Samuel if you are willing and ready to pay the price.
QUESTIONS
Prayer counseling
Identify four achievements by Samuel.
Mention three lessons from the life of Samuel.
ASSIGNMENT From 1 Samuel 12:3, identify five questions asked by Samuel to prove his integrity before the people (2×5=10 Marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
RCCG event tickets
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty,Prayer counseling Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee,Prayer counseling Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Action Point
PS: I know you might agree with some of the points raised in this article or disagree with some of the issues raised.
Please share your thoughts on the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
Adeniyi Salau is a highly dedicated and committed Blogger of repute. He likes sharing his IT knowledge with others. My desire is to impact as many lives as possible with my IT skills. You can download my mobile APP. Download the ICTLOAD APP on Google Playstore. Thanks.
Leave a Reply