Thunder
Samuel was offering the burnt offering as the Philistines approached to fight against Israel. The Lord thundered loudly against the Philistines that day and threw them into such confusion that they were defeated by Israel. 1 Samuel 7:10 (CSB)
Last week, in 1 Samuel 4–6, we find that Israel had wandered from the Lord. They took the ark of the covenant into battle as if it were a good luck charm of sorts. In that battle, the Philistines defeated Israel and took the ark of the covenant. This news was so distressing that upon hearing it, Eli fell backward in his chair, broke his neck, and died (4:18).
Still, after losing the ark of the covenant, Israel was not repentant. It took 20 years before they were ready to ask Samuel to lead them in a total return to the Lord. At this point in Israel's history, today's lesson begins as we continue reading 1 Samuel 7:1-17.
What is "repentance," and what does it mean in practical terms? What is the anatomy of this theologically laden term? We see a beautiful picture of repentance in 1 Samuel 7:3–6. While reading this section of Scripture, we will notice that it is vital to listen to those holding us accountable. First, hearing what is wrong in our lives and actions is beneficial. As believers, we should recognize what is wrong and own our sins. It is never helpful to deflect or blame our sins on others. Not only are we accountable to others, but repentance is birth out of our accountability to God. God is always in the right when He exposes our sins. Finally, upon our conviction regarding sin, repentance should reflect a confession. We are responsible for verbally acknowledging our sin to God and confessing it is wrong.
Friends' bottom line, repentance is a choice. In 1 Samuel 7, God's people choose to put away idols and embrace Yahweh. Repentance is a decision we make to honor and value the Lord more than anything else. Repentance is our loving response to God, who loved us first.
Samuel told the Nation of Israel, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart…then set your hearts on the Lord and Worship only Him." (1 Samuel 7:3). Samuel knew Israel couldn't just give lip service, nor should we. All of God's followers, both yesterday and today, should demonstrate their decision to return to the Lord.
Once the people decided to repent, look at the phrasing in verse 10. As God's people worshiped the Lord in repentance and faith, the Philistines went in to wipe them out. But as they worshiped, the text reads that "the Lord thundered loudly against the Philistines that day and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel." We all need to hear that the Lord "thunders" on our behalf. As we turn to God and start fresh with Him, He "thunders" out for us. He is a stone of help ("Ebenezer," v. 12).
As I read 1 Samuel 7:10, I recall another very similar passage, regarding protection and rejoicing, to the one found in the minor prophet Zephaniah 3:17
17 The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (CSB)
This is one of the most poignant passages in Scripture. It depicts the Lord as a loving mother, singing over her children and finding joy in their presence. The people of God sing and shout because of all God has done for them. He has taken away their punishment, defeated their enemies, and come to dwell with them. Furthermore, He has guaranteed that the people of Israel will never again be afraid. Because the Lord is the King of Israel, His people have nothing to fear.
Friends, God alone is worthy of our worship, and when we turn to Him in full faith, He is ready and fully able to generously rescue us in a way that is above and beyond what we could even ask or imagine.
Praise God for rescuing you from death and giving you eternal life through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Confess your tendency to ignore or forget His past work on your behalf and to rely on other things besides simple faith and reliance on Him.