Hello Brother David,I just now prayed for you and your family. I pray God protects you and yours.I am honored to pray for you David.You are faithful to ask the Lord for help.Godbless you and keep you my Brother in the Lord.
Agreement in Prayer for Roz, a coworker of mine at American Airlines who is a Believer... who is experiencing challenges with joints, knees, legs from standing behind desk as agent and is challenged with a heart issue. Asking for her to be covered by the blood and healing of her entire person. Thank you
"Jesus sent his disciples two by two ("After these things theLordappointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come"-.Luke.10:1) signifyingthat they were preaching the gospel by themselves. The angels representing them were witnesses to their souls"
corrected as follows:
Jesus sent his disciples two by two ("After these things theLordappointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come"-.Luke.10:1) signifying that they were "not" preaching the gospel by themselves. The angels representing them were witnesses to their souls
The two sticks were to be come as one. In the inaugural vision of Jesus Christ, the seven stars are the angels. Seven churches signify the body of Christ. Taken together both worlds of the Spirit and of the body are represented in these twosticks. in v.17 we have the house of Israel and also her companions. Companions denote angels. The mercy seat in the tabernacle of the wilderness also allowed their presence. Jesus sent his disciples two by two ("After these things theLordappointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come"-.Luke.10:1) signifyingthat they were preaching the gospel by themselves. The angels representing them were witnesses to their souls."And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet./Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." (Matt.10:14-15)
"The word of theLordcame again unto me, saying,/Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:/And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand."
Ezekiel stands as the double for the Son. In Ez. ch.3 God gives him a roll to eat."Eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel./So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll./And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness./And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them."
Speak my words unto the house of Israel. This is said with direct frame of reference to Jesus Christ who is set down in the Bible document as a sign. The word become flesh holds a secondary meaning and itis to explain the term virgin. Prophet Ezekiel himself is not exempt. When his wife dies God forbids him to grieve over her. "Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down./Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead."(Ez.24:16-17). Similarly we hve the firstfruits termed as virgins. "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb./And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Re.14:4-5) They are separated for God's use.
I have my own understanding over these and also have expressed it in this forum. So excuse me from discussing it which does not go anywhere.. Since we do not knowwhen our Lord comes I am labouring and you arealso focused on it. So be it. With joy and peace in Him
The point of the last paragraph of my post is about the things which will happen now in this seventh and last Day, or seventh and last millennium, the Lord's Day, even in this current time, even now, and from now on, as is written in John 5:43-47, combined with Revelation (Apocalypse)13:11 (manifestation of a false lamb, a false messiah in Israel (probably this year or next? 2Thessalonians 2:9-12 - strong delusion), and both Beasts (Catholicism-the Papacy - the RCC plus the esoteric and kabbalistic Judaism) both will make a deal to establish a satanic and religious kingdom(the feet and 10 toes of the Nebuchadnezzar's statue- Daniel 2:44-45 combined with Revelation 13:2, according to the LITERAL fulfillment of the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, self-executing,
Revelation 13:2 KJV
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his Power, and his Seat, and great Authority, and there will be a WAR. WAR between GOD x SATAN- Revelation 13:3 and 13:14 combined with Revelation 12.
Get ready
Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. Isaiah 21:6
The lesson we believers must learn from the sad episode with Samson is to perceive that after falling into the hands of the enemy, the first thing the Devil does is to take away the believer's vision,and prevent may the believer continue with good vision on the path of Truth,from then to make him err the path.The enemy worked surreptitiously and insistently to enter in the spiritual environment in which Samson was,to discover the secret of the Power that GOD gave him.In fact,he walks around looking for whom he can devour. Job 1:6-There was a Day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the Lord,and Satan came also among them.
Satan,in his wisdom,has countless strategies and traps to climb into the heavenly regions where we believers are- Ephesians 1:3-8 and Philippians 3:20-21-and the most satanic of his strategies when he is among us is to transfigure in an angel of light-2Cor.11:14.It is extremely difficult to identify him in this"outfit".It is even possible to deceive the chosen ones.Another terrible situation for us believers,in our Christian and heavenly environment(Eph.1:3-8 combined with Revelation 12:3-4),is identifying Satan's ministers among us- 2 Corinthians 11:13&15.
With this strategy he enters the Temple where we attend the services,and he does not sit on benches like us in the Church,he sits in the pulpits of the Churches as an angel of light,the Light is the Word of GOD,and his messengers as ministers or apostles of GOD- 2Corinthians 11:13&15.GOD forbid us.Anyone who believes in their preachings runs the risk of having their eyes gouged out,as happened to Samson,and once blind the people is dragged into the darkness,into Devil's environment.
In current time,we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,against powers,against the rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in HIGH PLACES.Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of GOD,that ye may BE ABLE to withstand in this evil time and to stand.
Please pray for my friend Joe who is in the army to be released from the kidnappers and not to have to send money in to be released .so please pray for my friend Joe who is in the army to be released by the kidnappers in Jesus name amen
Please add me to your prays, I need help I was strong but had one weakness and that was computers. I have fallen so low that it has affected my family, who are now following me. I need strength to overcome. Please you pray will help
Just think of what Jesus had to go through to save us. Also, It is never said the Christian life will be easy but look on the good side, when you haveing troubles and you need help you will draw closer to God. For instance, I used to have a good and comfortable life and I started to lose and push away from God because I thought I did not need God, but now that I am down and having troubles, I have drawn night unto him. God will help you if you need him and if you believe he will. The liar will have no part in heaven but you need to prey for your neighbors to find faith.
Knowing that we are living in perilous times, materially and spiritually, and knowing the grows of the sophisticate artificial man-made technology, my concern is about the flood the serpent may spread out through his satanic systems, trying to cause the Church to be carried away from the Truth by his flood of apostasies and traps, through corrupt and devilish messages / posts, and so on.
Revelation 13:5-10
5 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against GOD, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven ( Ephesians 1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21).
7 And it was given unto him to make WAR with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, WHOSE NAMES are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. - This is a severe warning for us -
Ephesians 6:11-17
11 Put on the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD:
Tamar, I believe in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ that All your needs be met. I pray that you be safe in everything, every place, every situation in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank You Heavenly Father, thank You Jesus Christ and thank You Holy Spirit. Amen
As far as I can see (although I am not well acclimated with all texts between 1 and 2 Chronicles; Kings and Samuel as to every narrative and the chronological placement with redundant accounts) it seems Saul never prayed again after this. It seems after the inquiry at the end of his earthly existence from the witch of Endor that even if it was a true visitation from Samuel beyond the grave; his soul was probably lost (we note that ALL who died before Christ came were in one part of Sheol or another; so the comment that he would join him after death could mean he was in either place).
These scriptures continue to be a difficult study. God was patient enough with Saul that perhaps He put Saul on a probation; of sorts after the 1 Samuel 13 incident; but He revealed in chapter 15 that He was grieved that Saul was king. We remember also that the people wanted a king of formidable status; in this case a man of tall stature and a warrior to "rule over them" as we see in chapter 8 of 1 Samuel. The choice was destined to head towards David; who incidentally as far as I can see outshone everyone else in prayer; with the exception of our Lord and Savior but David has more specific prayers recorded. I will soon transition into that as Saul was involved in a tortuous and insane love/hate relationship with David where many times he tried to kill him (I read in one Bible commentary 21 times). This would begin David's anguished prayers; later to be followed by prayers of contrition after his own transgressions and many inspired texts related to these issues in Psalms in particular.
Here there was more pain; including for Jonathan as well as the results of collateral damage due to the Bathsheeba and the census incidents which I will cover eventually. These scriptures are often prophetic about him as well as Christ and also show how prayer during trials was also our Lord's experience and part of God's design to play out in life.
Saul's LACK of prayer to God for guidance leads to a foolish decision which would cost him leadership over the Kingdom.
Verses 13-14 show a stern rebuke from Samuel toward Saul after he decided to purposely circumvent instructions and do a sacrifice himself; something only the Priests were authorized to do. Samuel was gone for a spell; no doubt much like the story of Moses when he was gone for a while and Aaron did a pagan sacrifice to satisfy the people. In this case it was an attempt at proper procedure but again obedience is better than sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 15:22).
1 Samuel 14
Verse 37 states Saul's prayer to God.
"And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day."
This perhaps is the second sign of things getting screwed up in Saul's decisions before he became totally unhinged. In short; he received no answer from God yet when seeking out who was responsible for transgressing the vow he made with God his own son Jonathan came up. God did reveal that; but the vow itself was foolish; that being no one could eat the whole day until the battlefield campaign was completed. His son WOULD have been under the rule of this vow except for the fact that he didn't KNOW about it as everyone else DID. Also the fact that Saul wanted him dead for that shows how ridiculous it was; there was no such ontingency in the vow in the first place as a punishment. God sustained everyone but nonetheless the Lord was no doubt holding him somewhat culpable here; first of all if they hadn't had provisions right at that point something disastrous may have happened while pillaging the camp. Also if he had been right with God and he was against the army the Lord would have told him that was the case.
1 Samuel 15. The verse quoted above in verse 22 shows how Saul's Kingdom was done with after disobeying commands to destroy Anak and not killing all animals.
This series is very sobering and has caused me to feel the burden of the individuals involved. We had the prayers of Japheth where there was the bittersweet reality of victory on the battlefield along with his painful vow to God that had to be fulfilled; then all that Hannah went through with the ridicule from her husband's second wife Phineas (if I have spelled that right); AND Eli the Priest. Now we have perhaps the most tragic situation yet; Samson's last prayer which basically; you could say was having God cause his death which was like a suicide but of course was for a greater cause; namely the greatest vindication of all the episodes when he had avenged himself on the Philistines.
In the first two cases we don't read of anything wrong except for the manner in which Japheth's vow was done without much forethought. Samson; on the other hand was attracted to foreign or "strange women" who were used to satiate his carnal desires of which no doubt he attributed some of the supernatural strength which the Lord gave him to accomplish his purposes.
At first he married Timnah as we see in Judges chapter 14. This probably didn't last very long as he was caught up in anger; and his wife nagged him to where he broke down and answered a riddle that he had. Later he wanted to sleep with his wife again and apparently the father thought he hated her and he gave her to his best man from the wedding. There was another revenge attack setting fire to animal tails; then the Philistines thiemselves killed his wife and her father. Eventually his own people cooperated with the Philistines probably sensing that being under their control that Samson had gone too far; Samson was once again victorious in battle with the famous jawbone of a donkey scene. Finally; of course Delilah caused a similar thing; that is nagging until Samson revealed the source of his strength; was overcome and in his misery gave his life for one final act of revenge.
And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
( 1 Samuel 3:11-14).
This prophecy was the fulfillment of an earlier one by an unnamed prophet in chapter 2; thus Eli perhaps gave the rather emotionless response in verse 18 "And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good." Samuel was to have
a long and successful reign as ruler in Israel; and Hannah herself had a bunch more kids after this event.
I would say that for Hannah the fact that she could rejoice even with the sadness of knowing she basically wouldn't see her son again (except for the time of sacrifices) as well as raise him through most of his childhood and early manhood shows she truly was "sold out to the Lord". We are reminded of Psalm 51 in having a humble and contrite spirit in our prayers. We can't do anything from our own resources; but we CAN promise to utilize the good gifts He has given us to further the Kingdom and be certain that it is a GOOD investment. This shows what the Lord wants us to do in giving good gifts from above. May we strive to serve in this way as well as dedicating our family to proper training in the Lord. We of course don't always know the outcome; but I would venture to say that most people who are saved have Godly parents praying for them or in some cases unknown strangers. We can see careful planning in this section of scripture to honor the resources and provisions God gives so that He is glorified!
I should say Hannah's PRAYERS (plural). It is hard not to be emotional seeing the true grief and sadness endured by this woman of God in her situation. It is uncertain how many times or how many years she prayed for a son; but apparently her husband's other wife taunted her about this. Chapter 2 is perhaps a prayer; or better defined as a prophetic statement as to God's victory.
To add to her misery; Eli the priest saw her mouth moving and silent prayer and accused her of being drunken of which she gave a strong retort to the contrary. He got to see her prayer answered at the end of the chapter. That was another child being dedicated as we saw from the last post where a different sort of thing occured (can't remember the correct spelling of the name Jephpath?) Anyway; God was to use Samuel who would be dedicated to basically minister before the Lord as a small child to accomplish His purposes. Eli was slack in his duties; and his sons were committing sex acts with women who were offering sacrifices at the Temple as well as being so greedy they ate meat uncooked to satiate their guts rather than cooking it properly. God chose to use Samuel (after Eli guided him after waking him up twice at night when he thought he rather than God was calling Him to respond to the Lor instead) to really "stick it to them" so to speak.
I can only imagine the scene; Samuel's first message-as a child to this really old chief priest stating the God was going to judge him and his sons for their wickedness. Here it is in verses 11-14 of chapter 3 (see next post)
After asking for victory in battle this prayer was given. "Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
( Judges 11:31).
The background of this man was that he was born of a prostitute as a bastard son. This didn't change him from being a character who was a man of valor on the battlefield; however and the people in desperation after servitude and God's response to them that basically he had forsaken them earlier in this narrative allowed this man to rise in prominence. After this event which he won; he would rule for a relatively short time without much more being said about him. The issue; of course was that his daughter was the first one to exit his home after he won. It would certainly appear that the sacrifice with a human being would NOT be a burnt offering; but consecration to the Lord for the rest of her life which would mean perpetual virginity based on the 2 months of mourning she had afterwards.
A big point here is how people should keep their vows to God no matter what. Psalm 15:4 is a good cross reference in regard to keeping vows even when it hurts; with many other passages in Psalms and Ecclesiastes as well as other places reinforcing that concept. We see this with the Gibeonites as well; despite the foolishness of not seeking God these people were obligated to be protected after a covenant was made. I would also add that I see marriages in the same light as well; keeping vows "till death do us part" is scriptural and therefore the Lord expects us to keep them.
We should note that nothing is really wrong with this man's intentions here except perhaps for the fact that scripture doesn't mandate in this situation that such a vow occurs in this situation. God answered his prayer with victory. We can learn to be careful what we promise God in this
Please read this line
"Jesus sent his disciples two by two ("After these things theLordappointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come"-.Luke.10:1) signifyingthat they were preaching the gospel by themselves. The angels representing them were witnesses to their souls"
corrected as follows:
Jesus sent his disciples two by two ("After these things theLordappointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come"-.Luke.10:1) signifying that they were "not" preaching the gospel by themselves. The angels representing them were witnesses to their souls
The two sticks were to be come as one. In the inaugural vision of Jesus Christ, the seven stars are the angels. Seven churches signify the body of Christ. Taken together both worlds of the Spirit and of the body are represented in these twosticks. in v.17 we have the house of Israel and also her companions. Companions denote angels. The mercy seat in the tabernacle of the wilderness also allowed their presence. Jesus sent his disciples two by two ("After these things theLordappointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come"-.Luke.10:1) signifyingthat they were preaching the gospel by themselves. The angels representing them were witnesses to their souls."And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet./Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." (Matt.10:14-15)
"The word of theLordcame again unto me, saying,/Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:/And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand."
Ezekiel stands as the double for the Son. In Ez. ch.3 God gives him a roll to eat."Eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel./So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll./And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness./And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them."
Speak my words unto the house of Israel. This is said with direct frame of reference to Jesus Christ who is set down in the Bible document as a sign. The word become flesh holds a secondary meaning and itis to explain the term virgin. Prophet Ezekiel himself is not exempt. When his wife dies God forbids him to grieve over her. "Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down./Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead."(Ez.24:16-17). Similarly we hve the firstfruits termed as virgins. "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb./And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Re.14:4-5) They are separated for God's use.
I have my own understanding over these and also have expressed it in this forum. So excuse me from discussing it which does not go anywhere.. Since we do not knowwhen our Lord comes I am labouring and you arealso focused on it. So be it. With joy and peace in Him
I am happy to pray for Joe's safety and release.
The point of the last paragraph of my post is about the things which will happen now in this seventh and last Day, or seventh and last millennium, the Lord's Day, even in this current time, even now, and from now on, as is written in John 5:43-47, combined with Revelation (Apocalypse)13:11 (manifestation of a false lamb, a false messiah in Israel (probably this year or next? 2Thessalonians 2:9-12 - strong delusion), and both Beasts (Catholicism-the Papacy - the RCC plus the esoteric and kabbalistic Judaism) both will make a deal to establish a satanic and religious kingdom(the feet and 10 toes of the Nebuchadnezzar's statue- Daniel 2:44-45 combined with Revelation 13:2, according to the LITERAL fulfillment of the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, self-executing,
Revelation 13:2 KJV
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his Power, and his Seat, and great Authority, and there will be a WAR. WAR between GOD x SATAN- Revelation 13:3 and 13:14 combined with Revelation 12.
Get ready
Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. Isaiah 21:6
GOD bless
Satan,in his wisdom,has countless strategies and traps to climb into the heavenly regions where we believers are- Ephesians 1:3-8 and Philippians 3:20-21-and the most satanic of his strategies when he is among us is to transfigure in an angel of light-2Cor.11:14.It is extremely difficult to identify him in this"outfit".It is even possible to deceive the chosen ones.Another terrible situation for us believers,in our Christian and heavenly environment(Eph.1:3-8 combined with Revelation 12:3-4),is identifying Satan's ministers among us- 2 Corinthians 11:13&15.
With this strategy he enters the Temple where we attend the services,and he does not sit on benches like us in the Church,he sits in the pulpits of the Churches as an angel of light,the Light is the Word of GOD,and his messengers as ministers or apostles of GOD- 2Corinthians 11:13&15.GOD forbid us.Anyone who believes in their preachings runs the risk of having their eyes gouged out,as happened to Samson,and once blind the people is dragged into the darkness,into Devil's environment.
In current time,we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,against powers,against the rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in HIGH PLACES.Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of GOD,that ye may BE ABLE to withstand in this evil time and to stand.
this be brought to light in fellowships and prayer
ministries. Many have suffered. Exposure brings
Healing. Alleluia. Amen.
I enjoyed a lot your reply
Knowing that we are living in perilous times, materially and spiritually, and knowing the grows of the sophisticate artificial man-made technology, my concern is about the flood the serpent may spread out through his satanic systems, trying to cause the Church to be carried away from the Truth by his flood of apostasies and traps, through corrupt and devilish messages / posts, and so on.
Revelation 13:5-10
5 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against GOD, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven ( Ephesians 1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21).
7 And it was given unto him to make WAR with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, WHOSE NAMES are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. - This is a severe warning for us -
Ephesians 6:11-17
11 Put on the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD:
GOD BLESS
I pray Father God, that You deliver Scrow66* from depression.
Please Father God, bless her and her son with a home. Scrow66* claims the truthYou are a good God.
Thank You Father God, Thank You Jesus Christ and Thank You Holy Spirit. Amen
Thank You Heavenly Father, thank You Jesus Christ and thank You Holy Spirit. Amen
As far as I can see (although I am not well acclimated with all texts between 1 and 2 Chronicles; Kings and Samuel as to every narrative and the chronological placement with redundant accounts) it seems Saul never prayed again after this. It seems after the inquiry at the end of his earthly existence from the witch of Endor that even if it was a true visitation from Samuel beyond the grave; his soul was probably lost (we note that ALL who died before Christ came were in one part of Sheol or another; so the comment that he would join him after death could mean he was in either place).
These scriptures continue to be a difficult study. God was patient enough with Saul that perhaps He put Saul on a probation; of sorts after the 1 Samuel 13 incident; but He revealed in chapter 15 that He was grieved that Saul was king. We remember also that the people wanted a king of formidable status; in this case a man of tall stature and a warrior to "rule over them" as we see in chapter 8 of 1 Samuel. The choice was destined to head towards David; who incidentally as far as I can see outshone everyone else in prayer; with the exception of our Lord and Savior but David has more specific prayers recorded. I will soon transition into that as Saul was involved in a tortuous and insane love/hate relationship with David where many times he tried to kill him (I read in one Bible commentary 21 times). This would begin David's anguished prayers; later to be followed by prayers of contrition after his own transgressions and many inspired texts related to these issues in Psalms in particular.
Here there was more pain; including for Jonathan as well as the results of collateral damage due to the Bathsheeba and the census incidents which I will cover eventually. These scriptures are often prophetic about him as well as Christ and also show how prayer during trials was also our Lord's experience and part of God's design to play out in life.
Saul's LACK of prayer to God for guidance leads to a foolish decision which would cost him leadership over the Kingdom.
Verses 13-14 show a stern rebuke from Samuel toward Saul after he decided to purposely circumvent instructions and do a sacrifice himself; something only the Priests were authorized to do. Samuel was gone for a spell; no doubt much like the story of Moses when he was gone for a while and Aaron did a pagan sacrifice to satisfy the people. In this case it was an attempt at proper procedure but again obedience is better than sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 15:22).
1 Samuel 14
Verse 37 states Saul's prayer to God.
"And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day."
This perhaps is the second sign of things getting screwed up in Saul's decisions before he became totally unhinged. In short; he received no answer from God yet when seeking out who was responsible for transgressing the vow he made with God his own son Jonathan came up. God did reveal that; but the vow itself was foolish; that being no one could eat the whole day until the battlefield campaign was completed. His son WOULD have been under the rule of this vow except for the fact that he didn't KNOW about it as everyone else DID. Also the fact that Saul wanted him dead for that shows how ridiculous it was; there was no such ontingency in the vow in the first place as a punishment. God sustained everyone but nonetheless the Lord was no doubt holding him somewhat culpable here; first of all if they hadn't had provisions right at that point something disastrous may have happened while pillaging the camp. Also if he had been right with God and he was against the army the Lord would have told him that was the case.
1 Samuel 15. The verse quoted above in verse 22 shows how Saul's Kingdom was done with after disobeying commands to destroy Anak and not killing all animals.
This series is very sobering and has caused me to feel the burden of the individuals involved. We had the prayers of Japheth where there was the bittersweet reality of victory on the battlefield along with his painful vow to God that had to be fulfilled; then all that Hannah went through with the ridicule from her husband's second wife Phineas (if I have spelled that right); AND Eli the Priest. Now we have perhaps the most tragic situation yet; Samson's last prayer which basically; you could say was having God cause his death which was like a suicide but of course was for a greater cause; namely the greatest vindication of all the episodes when he had avenged himself on the Philistines.
In the first two cases we don't read of anything wrong except for the manner in which Japheth's vow was done without much forethought. Samson; on the other hand was attracted to foreign or "strange women" who were used to satiate his carnal desires of which no doubt he attributed some of the supernatural strength which the Lord gave him to accomplish his purposes.
At first he married Timnah as we see in Judges chapter 14. This probably didn't last very long as he was caught up in anger; and his wife nagged him to where he broke down and answered a riddle that he had. Later he wanted to sleep with his wife again and apparently the father thought he hated her and he gave her to his best man from the wedding. There was another revenge attack setting fire to animal tails; then the Philistines thiemselves killed his wife and her father. Eventually his own people cooperated with the Philistines probably sensing that being under their control that Samson had gone too far; Samson was once again victorious in battle with the famous jawbone of a donkey scene. Finally; of course Delilah caused a similar thing; that is nagging until Samson revealed the source of his strength; was overcome and in his misery gave his life for one final act of revenge.
12In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
( 1 Samuel 3:11-14).
This prophecy was the fulfillment of an earlier one by an unnamed prophet in chapter 2; thus Eli perhaps gave the rather emotionless response in verse 18 "And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good." Samuel was to have
a long and successful reign as ruler in Israel; and Hannah herself had a bunch more kids after this event.
I would say that for Hannah the fact that she could rejoice even with the sadness of knowing she basically wouldn't see her son again (except for the time of sacrifices) as well as raise him through most of his childhood and early manhood shows she truly was "sold out to the Lord". We are reminded of Psalm 51 in having a humble and contrite spirit in our prayers. We can't do anything from our own resources; but we CAN promise to utilize the good gifts He has given us to further the Kingdom and be certain that it is a GOOD investment. This shows what the Lord wants us to do in giving good gifts from above. May we strive to serve in this way as well as dedicating our family to proper training in the Lord. We of course don't always know the outcome; but I would venture to say that most people who are saved have Godly parents praying for them or in some cases unknown strangers. We can see careful planning in this section of scripture to honor the resources and provisions God gives so that He is glorified!
I should say Hannah's PRAYERS (plural). It is hard not to be emotional seeing the true grief and sadness endured by this woman of God in her situation. It is uncertain how many times or how many years she prayed for a son; but apparently her husband's other wife taunted her about this. Chapter 2 is perhaps a prayer; or better defined as a prophetic statement as to God's victory.
To add to her misery; Eli the priest saw her mouth moving and silent prayer and accused her of being drunken of which she gave a strong retort to the contrary. He got to see her prayer answered at the end of the chapter. That was another child being dedicated as we saw from the last post where a different sort of thing occured (can't remember the correct spelling of the name Jephpath?) Anyway; God was to use Samuel who would be dedicated to basically minister before the Lord as a small child to accomplish His purposes. Eli was slack in his duties; and his sons were committing sex acts with women who were offering sacrifices at the Temple as well as being so greedy they ate meat uncooked to satiate their guts rather than cooking it properly. God chose to use Samuel (after Eli guided him after waking him up twice at night when he thought he rather than God was calling Him to respond to the Lor instead) to really "stick it to them" so to speak.
I can only imagine the scene; Samuel's first message-as a child to this really old chief priest stating the God was going to judge him and his sons for their wickedness. Here it is in verses 11-14 of chapter 3 (see next post)
After asking for victory in battle this prayer was given. "Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
( Judges 11:31).
The background of this man was that he was born of a prostitute as a bastard son. This didn't change him from being a character who was a man of valor on the battlefield; however and the people in desperation after servitude and God's response to them that basically he had forsaken them earlier in this narrative allowed this man to rise in prominence. After this event which he won; he would rule for a relatively short time without much more being said about him. The issue; of course was that his daughter was the first one to exit his home after he won. It would certainly appear that the sacrifice with a human being would NOT be a burnt offering; but consecration to the Lord for the rest of her life which would mean perpetual virginity based on the 2 months of mourning she had afterwards.
A big point here is how people should keep their vows to God no matter what. Psalm 15:4 is a good cross reference in regard to keeping vows even when it hurts; with many other passages in Psalms and Ecclesiastes as well as other places reinforcing that concept. We see this with the Gibeonites as well; despite the foolishness of not seeking God these people were obligated to be protected after a covenant was made. I would also add that I see marriages in the same light as well; keeping vows "till death do us part" is scriptural and therefore the Lord expects us to keep them.
We should note that nothing is really wrong with this man's intentions here except perhaps for the fact that scripture doesn't mandate in this situation that such a vow occurs in this situation. God answered his prayer with victory. We can learn to be careful what we promise God in this