Synopsis 1Sam 15:2-12 9/22/2018
Samuel the prophet came to King Saul. The prophet told the king to attack Amalek. God’s intention, he explained, was to punish the Amalekites for having attacked the Israelites during the exodus. The command to Saul was to utterly destroy it, leaving nothing.
Saul called up his army. He assembled more than two-hundred thousand men for the attack. He positioned them for the attack. And then, Saul warned the nearby Kenite people to get away from the battle.
Saul totally defeated the Amalekites. But he allowed King Agag to live. And, contrary to God’s command, he did not destroy the best livestock of the nation.
After this, God spoke to Samuel. He expressed His regret for having selected Saul as king. Samuel became angry. He cried out to the Lord all night. And then he went in search of Saul to confront him.
Saul’s Half-Measure
The Amalekites were a nation of people descending from its Amalek. Of course, Amalek was a descendant of Esau – Jacob’s estranged twin brother.
In the bible, the Amalekites are often seen as a symbol of utter evil. Their attack during Israel’s exodus was unprovoked. As a result, they were cast as a murderous, immoral and opportunistic people. This was an evil that God intended to cast out from the land.
But Saul did not complete the work. Although God gave him victory in battle, he failed to follow through with all of the Lord’s command.
My Half-Measures
There is a sneaky disposition in my heart. I find myself sometimes thinking that God should be grateful for the things that I have done for Him. To tell you the truth, I feel foolish just writing that down. Of course, I don’t really say any of these things out loud. It’s just my attitude. It’s a reflection that emerges through my behavior.
But when I’m honest with myself, this is what I find:
I go to mass. And I go to reconciliation. I read my bible. I even pray with my children. So, I’ve given God enough. He needs to be reasonable about His demands. Really, I think to myself, “He should be grateful – all these things I do for Him.”
Yet, on the way home from church when we encounter someone known to us walking on the road, I do not stop to offer a ride. Instead, I secretly pray my wife won’t suggest it. But she almost always does. And I almost always have an excuse about why it’s not “prudent” to offer the ride today.
Eventually I wake up and realize what I’ve done.
But the point isn’t to burden myself with a load of guilt and shame. God has forgiven me. He “gets” my failure. He gives me another chance.
A new day.
A clean slate.
But He also wants to be able to trust that I can deliver when He calls me to love.
A bad tooth or an unsteady foot—a trust betrayed in time of trouble. Pr0v 25:19
Synopsis 1Sam 14:44-15:1 9/21/2018
As the battle of Michmash wound down, God stopped communicating to King Saul. Through a process of divine discovery, God revealed that Jonathan was the cause of breach between God and Saul.
Saul demanded Jonathan’s confession. And so, Jonathan acknowledged eating honey before the battle was complete. Although, he had only eaten the honey before being told about Saul’s ill-advised edict.
So, Saul determined to kill Jonathan for the offense. But the Israelite soldiers saved Jonathan.
After the battle, Saul consolidated power. The kingship became formal. Saul built up the standing army. And Israel entered into a period of near constant military engagement. They fought in turn with most of their historic enemies as the Israelite hold on the Promised Land became more firmly established.
Israel Took Power The Way Anyone Takes Power
Saul learned to recognize political power. Unlike the judge Jephthah, who sacrificed his innocent daughter because of an ill-advised oath, Saul was prevented from sacrificing Jonathan. He deferred to the political power of the soldiers.
This is the way of Saul. He consolidated his power by building up a standing army. As Samuel had predicted, he took the best of the young men and women from around Israel, and pressed them into his service. He paid for it all through conquest over the surrounding nations. In other words, for the most part he led Israel the way any king leads any nation.
He kept up a relationship with God not out of devotion to God, but because he could use it to support his ambition to consolidate political power.
Personal Power and the Synthetic Community
The wisdom of God challenges me to work in the world from the inside out.
I control my attention. I control what my mind engages in the world I experience. God’s wisdom meets me there, at every moment of choice.
This is natural. God created me with a unique essence. But He also created me in a unique time and place. So, I meet the challenges of my life moment-by-moment. And I do this in a way that only I could.
Political power is the opposite. It works to control the outside, no matter what is happening on the inside. It produces a synthetic kind of community where the glue that binds people together is not the Holy Spirit of God, but the imposition of political power through force of more-or-less arbitrary laws.
God did not call me to be a culture warrior. I am not called to impose from without, even what is evident as natural moral law. Reality is what it is. I don’t have to defend it to other human beings.
But, I am a Christ follower. So, I am called to love in truth. This is essential. And it will always be true in every time and place.
“For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens” Eph 6:12
Synopsis 1Sam 14:35-43 9/20/2018
The Israelites defeated the Philistines in the battle of Michmash. Saul built an altar to the Lord. And then, he expressed his desire to pursue the Philistines throughout the night. The high-priest recommended asking God.
So Saul inquired. But God did not answer. Saul interpreted this to mean there was a breach in the relationship. He understood that this was caused because of some sin.
As a result, he arranged the men of his army opposite himself and Jonathan. Through a series of questionings, God revealed that the problem resided with Jonathan. Saul questioned Jonathan. And Jonathan revealed that he had unwittingly eaten some honey in the course of the battle. At the time he ate, he did not know that Saul had made an oath against anyone eating before the battle was finished.
Saul Adding a Law
Saul’s goal was to keep his men focused on the battle. He wanted to prevent them from being distracted by anything, including even their need for food. So he invented a law.
Let the Law Be the Law
It’s one thing for me to make a mistake. But, it’s another thing to make a mistake into a moral failure.
A mistake means that I’ve inadvertently failed to convert some possibility into an actual accomplishment. When I see a situation wrongly, it’s likely I’ll take the wrong action. That’s what it means to fail.
For example, “let’s keep everyone focused on the battle” translates into not allowing anyone to eat so they aren’t distracted. Of course, that’s just dumb. It’s poor thinking. But the truth is; this is common. I often misunderstand my circumstances. And when this happens, I usually fail to enter into the success I might have known. But it’s still not a moral failure.
However, it’s different when I misunderstand my circumstances and then make some moral declaration about how I should act. We are, after all, creative human beings.
So think about the creative power of a human being. With my lips, I have the power to create a moral obligation. For example, I can say, “I promise to pay….” and I am really, morally, bound to pay.
Now combine my power to create moral obligations with a situation that I don’t understand very well. A lot can go wrong.
For example, I make an oath against eating during battle. Now my error in judgement takes on a moral implication. If I eat then it is suddenly a sin against God.
So, have structure. You need structure to live well. But don’t worship your structure. Resist the temptation to create your own system of unsupportable laws. In the end, it’s a poor imitation of God’s mandate to love.
In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I am commanding you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it” Deut 4:2
Synopsis 1Sam 14:26-34 9/19/2018
The battle of Michmash was raging. The king’s son Jonathan had started a great rout of the Philistines with a surprise attack on a remote outpost. The unexpected attack, in combination with a strong earthquake, caused the Philistine army to panic and flee.
The Israelites pursued and killed many Philistine soldiers. While pursuing the enemy, Jonathan stopped at the site of a honey comb that had broken open and was flowing with honey. He ate some and felt energized.
However, his soldiers informed him that his father had made an oath that no one from Israel should eat anything until the battle was complete. Jonathan noted that this was an ill-advised edict.
As a result of Saul’s order, the men were so famished at the end of the day that they began taking captured domestic animals for food. They slaughtered them and ate them without first draining the blood. Saul recognized their error and made a place to properly slaughter the animals to avoid the sin.
An Army Fights on Its Stomach
Napoleon said, “An army fights on its stomach”.
When Saul made this vow, he thought his edict would focus the attention and resolve of the Israelite forces to completely destroy the enemy before doing anything else. It was the modern equivalent of saying, “we don’t have time for supper”.
But the reality was that the army was weakened and less effective because they were denied food. One interesting, brain-science fact is the restorative power of glucose after acute stress. Honey is more than 50% glucose. Eating the honey would have actually given Saul’s army the physical ability to achieve his purpose. But his edict had just the opposite effect.
The Body’s Role in Achieving Your God Given Purpose
Gandhi famously asked, “Do you eat to live or live to eat?”
So, it’s unwise for me to be led by my appetites. I can accept that. It’s unwise for me to be enslaved by any bad habit.
But it remains important to recognize fundamental truths. One of these is that I am a bodily being. I have a body. And it has its needs and demands.
It’s a big mistake to believe that you can disregard the legitimate needs of your body and still enter into the possibility of your life. Eating is a part of the process of actualizing your potential.
So, if you want success, then let your eating habits align with your God given vision.
“It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Matt 15:11
Synopsis 1Sam 14:15-25 9/18/2018
Jonathan was King Saul’s son. He was general over half of the limited Israelite forces. In the battle of Michmash, he and his armor-bearer attacked a remote Philistine outpost after scaling a crag. This, in combination with a well-timed earthquake, set off a panic amongst the Philistine forces.
The main Israelite force under Saul was aware that there was confusion in the Philistine camp. So, Saul counted his army to see if the Israelite forces were engaged. He found that only Jonathan and his armor-bearer were missing.
At this point in the battle, Saul was uncertain what to do. So, he made an inquiry through the priest. However, it quickly became clear that the Philistines were in disarray. And so, he withdrew from the priest and immediately ordered his forces to attack. He even made a vow that no one should eat until all the day’s fighting was done.
The momentum of the battle shifted toward the Israelites’ favor. As a result, men who had previously deserted Saul returned to the battle. Also, Hebrew mercenaries who had been fighting for the Philistines, turned against them in the midst of the battle.
Saul’s Victory is Really God’s Victory
Saul’s behavior was uncertain and reluctant. His forces were down to only a few hundred men. So, he adopted a survival strategy. His goal was to “not lose”. As a result, he only engaged his forces when it seemed obvious that he wasn’t likely to lose.
Jonathan, however, was aggressive. He recognized that God controlled the outcome of every battle. So, from his perspective, engagement was the most important thing. He recognized that God could only work through him if he was willing to engage the enemy in his present circumstances.
My Purpose, Victory and Destiny
God created me with purpose. So, I have a purpose.
I can respond to this foundational belief in one of two ways. Either, I can play to “not lose” or I can play to win. I can wait for God to make circumstances so obvious that they cannot be misinterpreted. Or, I can meet the challenge of the present moment by engaging in God’s work, and then allowing God make clear the next step.
Of course, the danger in waiting is in the need for certainty. Because, the only time I will ever be absolutely certain I understand my circumstances, is after it’s too late to do anything about them.
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” James 1:22
Synopsis 1Sam 14:5-14 9/16/2018
In the midst of the battle of Michmash, Jonathan discovered a path to engage the Philistine army. But, it involved climbing a steep crag. His armor-bearer willingly assisted him. But otherwise, he didn’t tell anyone else about his plan to raid.
So, Jonathan made a simple plan. He realized that climbing the crag would expose their position to a small Philistine outpost. He reasoned, if the men of the outpost waited for them to climb up, then they would continue climbing. Otherwise, if the Philistines came down to them, they would stop.
As it turned out, the two men were actually told to “come up” by the Philistines. And as they did, they surprised the outpost because they were armed. So, Jonathan was able to kill about twenty men from the outpost.
Jonathan was Aggressive but Wise
Jonathan was a general in Saul’s army. And he was the king’s son. So he was the heir apparent. Everyone expected him to be the next king. This was his God-given purpose in life.
But also, Jonathan’s natural disposition was to be aggressive. He wanted to attack. And, he wanted to engage the Philistines where he might have some limited advantage.
So, Jonathan made this plan. And, he shared the plan with his armor-bearer, who agreed. Finally, he set a clever milestone. By making his attack dependent on how his adversary responded, he was prepared for the engagement to unfold in multiple different ways.
Be Aggressive But Wise
God created you with purpose. You’re on earth to do something that only you can do. So, give everything you can to excel at your purpose.
Be aggressive. But also be wise. Consider the ways that the world will respond when you begin to enter into your purpose. And be ready to meet each challenge with the conviction of Jonathan climbing his crag.
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov 3:6
Synopsis 1Sam 13:17-14:4 9/13/2018
The Philistines and the Israelites massed troops in anticipation of battle. The Philistines sent three detachments to probe Israel‘s position. One of these took up a position near Michmash.
King Saul’s son Jonathan led the Israelite forces near Michmash. And so, he decided to personally reconnoiter the Philistine position. He did not tell anyone where he went. And, he took only his armor bearer with him.
In those days, there were no smiths (as in metalworkers) in Israel. The Philistine’s ruled over Israel. So, in an effort to prevent the Israelites from developing their own weapons, the Philistines did not allow them to do metal work.
Philistine Control Over Technology
The Philistines controlled the development of technology in Israel. This had two effects. The first was that it kept the Israelites dependent on the Philistines for access to even the peaceful use of technology.
For example, the Israelites had to go to the Philistines to have their ploughshares and other tools sharpened. This forced unnatural control over the marketplace. So, in practical terms, the Philistine smiths and merchants extracted too much of the Israelites wealth.
But the more intended purpose was to control the use of technology to keep the Israelites at a military and economic disadvantage.
The Good, The Evil and The Technology
Technology is neither inherently good or evil. In fact, technology is nothing more than applied wisdom. And wisdom is about process. And through understanding of processes people change the world.
By itself, perhaps we could say that technology is morally neutral. But technology doesn’t exist by itself. It is the product of human effort. It’s good and legitimate purpose is to advance human culture.
Of course, we all know technology can also be used for selfish, unloving and evil purposes. So rival people always work to gain a technological advantage over each other.
But as Christians, we consider technology from the perspective of Christ. So, the purposeful end of technology is to advance culture. And the purposeful end of culture is that men will love God and love their neighbors. As a result, technology used for any other purpose has missed the mark.
“Will the ax boast against the one who hews with it? Will the saw exalt itself above the one who wields it? As if a rod could sway the one who lifts it, or a staff could lift the one who is not wood.” Isaiah 10:15
Synopsis 1Sam 13:8-16 9/11/2018
The Philistines deployed their army in the high country at Michmash. Saul’s army was positioned in the valley below at Gilgal. The Philistines had massed an overwhelming army with the tactical advantage. Many of the Saul’s soldiers recognized the disadvantages of their situation. And so, they began deserting east across the Jordan. But, Samuel had given Saul instructions not to engage until after he came and offered sacrifices.
So Saul waited until the agreed upon time. But Samuel was delayed. And so, though he was not a priest, Saul offered the sacrifice himself. Saul completed the sacrificial offering just before Samuel finally arrived. Samuel rebuked Saul for his lack of patience and departed without offering the sacrifices – since Saul had already offered them.
Saul Couldn’t Wait Teach Me Lord to Wait
The Philistines had a better tactical situation. They greatly outnumbered the Israelite army. And they had the superior technology of iron chariots. So, Saul was perhaps naturally anxious. And Samuel was late.
By the time he counted the remaining troops, Saul had only six hundred men. But six hundred is exactly twice the number that Gideon had. And in Gideon’s case, God had deliberately sent away the fearful and cowardly. So compared to Gideon, Saul had way more than necessary.
But Saul couldn’t see abundance. He couldn’t see that God wanted to do something extraordinary through these circumstances – something only He could do. And so, Saul was moved by his anxiety to take matters into his own hands. He offered the pre-battle sacrifices even though he was not a priest. And this was his defining failure.
Teach Me Lord to Wait
It’s so easy to critique King Saul. He had so many obvious flaws. And he made so many poor decisions. And he had so little faith…
We have so much in common – Saul and I.
Anxiety is a thief. It convinces me that God is not faithful. It steals victory away from me moments before the victory is mine to claim. And it leaves me empty handed and powerless. It is the feeling of fear when there is actually nothing to fear.
There is nothing to fear. There is nothing bigger than God.
“They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Synopsis 1Sam 12:23-13:7 9/11/2018
Samuel completed his address to the assembly. He committed to continuing in prayer for the Israelite nation. Also, he implored the people to fear and serve the Lord with all their hearts. And finally, he reminded them that if they continued to do evil, both they and their king would be swept away.
Saul began the process of maintaining a standing army with three thousand men. These were split between himself and Jonathan. The standing Israelite forces were concentrated around the tent of meeting located at Bethel and Saul’s hometown of Gibeah.
At some point Jonathan used the forces to strike the Philistine garrison near Gibeah. After this, both the Israelites and the Philistines massed forces. However, as the Israelites began to recognize the size of the Philistine forces, they became concerned. Many crossed the Jordan and slipped into Gad and Gilead – away from the battlefield.
The Prayers of Samuel
Samuel declared to the people that it would be a sin against God if he did not pray on behalf of the people. For him, to not pray was an act of faithlessness. For him, to not pray was a sin.
Samuel heard God’s voice. From his youth, people recognized that when he prophesied, his prophecies always came true. And when he revealed something, his revealings always proved to be accurate.
Samuel’s role was to pray. He served as a priest. And he offered sacrifices. So maybe one question is; was failing to pray a sin in general or only because he served as a priest?
Prayer and Faith, Hope, Love
Here’s another way of looking at it. Moses and the prophets taught two great commandments concerning personal responsibility. The first is to love God. And the second is to love my neighbor. Jesus definitively taught the same thing. So then, could I love another without praying for them? Is that possible?
It’s not a word to burden myself. (Like I need one more thing to do.) It’s just the observation that love really begins with prayer. Interceding to God for the benefit of another is faith, hope and love in a single moment of action.
“With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones” Eph 6:18
Synopsis 1Sam 12:14-22 9/10/2018
Samuel spoke to the assembly. He had just finished establishing Saul as king. He explained to the people that neither Saul, nor any other king, could protect them if they persisted in unrighteousness.
And, he also pointed out to them that their demand for a king was wrong in the first place. And to demonstrate this, Samuel prayed that the Lord would bring thunder, lightning, and rain during the normally dry harvest season.
The Lord sent the rain out of season. And so, the people realized that they had erred. They returned to Samuel and confessed their sin. Samuel acknowledged the seriousness of the Israelite’s sin. Still, he encouraged them to follow the Lord closely. And he assured them that God would never forsake them.
Too Late to Get Rid of the King
A sign from heaven in the form of rain. It rained outside the normal rainy season. And, it rained in the harvest – the worst time for rain. And so, the people suddenly became aware of their guilt.
They had defied God. Now, they had their king. And this new king had already saved them in a great military victory. Despite this, the Israelites realized that they had made a serious mistake. So, they came back to Samuel humbled. What could they do? What could be done?
But Samuel reassured them. He acknowledged there was no undoing the act. Saul was king. Yet, Samuel told them that God would remain faithful to them – for His own namesake. And so, just as before, their hope was in remaining faithful to God.
Awareness of the Irreversible Error
Some mistakes can be reversed. When I sin, sometimes I can undo the damage of my sin. But sometimes it’s just not possible. Sometimes what has happened is irreversible. The effect of my sin remains despite acknowledging and even repenting of the sin.
You can hang on to your failures. It’s possible to regret poor decision made in the past. It’s possible to grieve the opportunity cost of my own recklessness.
But none of that is from God. Whatever has been is an undeniable fact. We have all failed. We have all fallen short of God’s plan for our lives. These are the facts.
But God’s not holding me down. God’s not looking to suffocate me with an awareness of my own sin. He wants me to move on. He wants me to overcome.
Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” John 5:8