To Run or Return: 1 Samuel 11 & 12

The following themes were noticeable to me in 1 Samuel 11–12:

• The Israelites, like us, retreated from God when fearful.

• Satan’s targeted attacks only prosper when we forget about our divine protection. 

The Ammonites and Israelites had a hostile relationship, and the Ammonite king, Nahash, had the territory of Jabesh-Gilead surrounded. The people of Jabesh were prepared to surrender, offering to be his servants to prevent being conquered altogether. For context, the name "Nahash" translates to “serpent” in Hebrew. Other parallels to Satan are his self-glorifying behaviors, tendency to attack the weak and vulnerable, and requirement of a mark on his prey. Nahash demanded that the right eye of all captors be gouged as a sign of shame to the nation of Israel. This action would also ensure that they were at even less of an advantage to defend themselves.

It’s important to note that such plots may only succeed if people accept it as their inevitable fate. Jabesh initially thought their options were between becoming slaves or dying, without considering the plan God held for them. We must choose our path: concur with evil or remain in God’s presence. The devil lurks strategically, like a thief who comes “only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). He relies on deception to grasp what rightfully belongs to God. Such wicked schemes materialize only when fear or hopelessness persuades us to willingly conform to Satan's terms. He seeks to immobilize his victims since we are powerful products of God. Even then, Satan must have permission from God due to his own limitations. Do you see how desperate this enemy is to satisfy his envy of the Lord by striving to engage with us? We are covered by Jesus’ blood, which makes us a primary target, yet nearly unreachable unless we yield. This slanderer's scheme requires some sort of effort from the other party. For him to gain, we must participate in the lie.

Before agreeing, Jabesh sent messengers throughout Israel to see if anyone could save them from Nahash and the Ammonites. Again, they believed their livelihood depended on finding a human instead of seeking refuge in our living God. “If no one comes to save us, we’ll agree to your terms” (1 Samuel 11:3). We are so quick to give up! Why would people of God think slavery is the only option? God Himself is the complete opposite of what it is to be enslaved. However, this message is extremely convicting since I, too, have panicked and turned to my own distraught decision-making when God didn’t even need me to act yet. I hope to remember to include God in my distress and confusion so that it may never envelop me. 

Saul, the new king of Israel, experienced rage as God’s Spirit came over him. When we are in alignment with God, the ways of the world become unsettling. He sent a metaphorical message to the people: “And the Lord made the people afraid of Saul’s anger, and all of them came out together as one” (1 Samuel 11:7). Sometimes I hesitate to speak up out of the fear of being judged or misunderstood. The Bible is evidence that the Lord utilizes individuals to answer the prayers of others. The stirring we feel in certain situations is no coincidence. That feeling tends to be more than just our gut. The same urge from the Spirit has the power to bring order to misguided and confused individuals.

Samuel spoke to his nation and reminded them of a destructive, redundant pattern of sin, disobedience, and idolatry amidst God’s faithfulness. Even though they had God as their King, the Israelites desired a human man to lead them against Nahash. 

“All right, here is the king you have chosen. You asked for him, and the Lord has granted your request” (1 Samuel 12:13). The “All right” portion in Samuel’s reply reveals hesitation. He knew that the king they wanted was not the king they needed. Our problems should not be met with unconscious, spontaneous reactions.

Samuel communicated with God expectantly, telling the people that God would send signs on his behalf. This is what I love about the power of prayer! I know that God is actively listening and will always respond, one way or another.

They begged Samuel to intercede, saying, “For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king” (1 Samuel 12:19). At least Israel became aware of their mistake. They also still had access to the Lord, who remained faithful to them. However, they hid behind their shame and had Samuel, a man with notable faith, pray for them. 

Samuel told them, “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on Him… The Lord will not abandon His people, because that would dishonor His great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you His very own people” (12:20-22). Proving that we are to be steadfast in the face of adversity, Samuel said, “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you…” (12:23). 

I believe this is relevant to us today because believers are the forefront of such battles. Not only should we persevere in our evolving faith, but we also must make disciples along the way. What better way to do this than to go straight to the Lord for assistance? Samuel did not give up on his people because he simply did not want to give up on God. He chose to mediate and pursue righteousness as their spiritual example.

I have experienced a nudge in my heart to pray more for the people and circumstances I disagree with. This is our burden to bear as Christians: to resist adapting to the hardened world and instead pray that others would be freed from those same strongholds. I am not perfect myself, which is exactly why I believe I have felt convicted to pray for my adversaries. This is the grace Jesus has shown us.

Succumbing to the enemy is voluntary. Pride, fear, and guilt convince us that we’re at a standstill. We submit to the wrong things. We honor false leadership. We plant our feet on unstable foundations. Our personal challenges may seem bleak, but God is prepared to rescue us. 

Throughout these chapters, I see a loving Father who stays when He is abandoned, waits out our frantic but forced quick fixes, and reconstructs our incidental demolitions. God bridges the gap and meets us in the struggle. May we be like Samuel—growing in the ways of the Lord, practicing patience, obedience, and hopefulness. 

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Gratitude List:

• A steady supply: I am thankful that God not only allows us to carry life, but also gives us the ability to nourish our babies with tailor-made food. Cheers to 9.5 months of breastfeeding!

• Self-control (thanks, Holy Spirit)

• Crockpot meals 

• Santa's Wonderland as a family of 3

• New floral arrangements

• Dishwashers & baby bottle dryers  

• Going shopping for children's clothes (so much more fun than shopping for myself!)

• Relatable church messages

• Clingy baby snuggles

• Cheerful conversations with strangers

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References:

Myers, R., & Williams, A. B. (2020). She Reads Truth Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.