Dr. E. G. Sherman, Jr.
January 19, 2014 at 10:45 AM
1st Samuel Chapter 3:11-12, 7:7-8
From the Judges to the Kings
From the Judges to the Kings
1st Samuel Chapter 3:11-12, 7:7-8
The Book of Judges covers events that happened as reported in
the Book of Ruth and the first three chapters of the First Book of
Samuel. This fact is somewhat difficult to understand if attention
is focused on the order in which Books appear: Judges, Ruth and
Samuel.
These three books tell of Israel’s desire to have a king instead
of judges The Israelites pleaded with Samuel to appoint a judge. He
warned against such a drastic change. The account comes from the
First Book of Samuel. Because Israel’s history during the time of
Samuel was being shaped by colorful leaders and major political
events, each of these Books of Samuel will be the basis for a sermon.
Using the First Book of Samuel, today’s sermon has been entitled,
"From the Judges to the Kings". The sermon will seek to reduce
Israel’s experiences, as recorded in the First Book of Samuel, to three
major events. They are:
1. To highlight some historical problems in family life
2. To explore human reactions to those in positions of leadership
3. To highlight factors that lead from Judges to Kings
Hopefully, the sermon will add to our understanding of and
appreciation for Biblical history. Additionally, there is the intent of
continuing and intensifying our interest in a survey of the Bible.
Prior to addressing the earlier defined objectives, attention will
be focused on Israel’s history at the time of Samuel. The Israelites
had endured many years of leadership provided by Judges. Over the
years, the respect for Judges had declined. As noted in Judges 21:25,
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which
was right in his own eyes".
That highly individualized type of morality, ethics, and people to
people relationships eventually eroded into idolatry and corruption.
In the process of time, the Israelites farther away from the Law. Soon
the worldly approach invaded the priesthood where sons of the Priest
yielded to corruption. As He always does - God brought judgment
against Israel. But He provided warning to the first Prophet after
Moses; his name was Samuel, the person whose life with appear
throughout this sermon - From the Judges to the Kings.
From the First Book of Samuel, it is possible to lift three topics
under which that narrative can be studies. Each of the topics
addresses one of the earlier stated objectives - the first of which
problems in family life.
Early in the First Book of Samuel, the account is given of a family
problem. It centered around a man, Elkanah who had two wives - a
custom during that time. One of them, Peninah, had children but
Hannah did not. While Elkanah loved and provided for Hannah, she was
nonetheless sore and provoked. Years went by and no change
occurred. On one occasion, Elkanah noticed that Hannah was deeply
grieved and inquired of her as to the reason. The next day after that
experience, Hannah arose and went to the temple to pray. There she
poured out her grief. She begged of the Lord for a male child and she
promised that she would dedicate the child to the Lord. Eli saw her
and accused Hannah of being intoxicated. She quickly corrected his
erroneous view.
Later the male child was born; Hannah named him Samuel and
she later carried him to live with Eli, the priest. It was at that
residency that the Lord called Samuel, gave him a message for Eli,
and told him of his impending leadership of Israel.
The second category of family problems found in this First Book
of Samuel involved sons of both Eli and Samuel. In the case of Eli, the
sons were promiscuous for the Bible states that "they lay with women
that assembled at the door of the tabernacle" ( I Sam. 2:22 ). Their
sin did not go un noticed nor un punished because the two boys were
later killed by the Philistines who also took the Ark of Covenant from
the tabernacle. When Eli, the priest heard the news of his sons’ death
and the loss of the Art of Covenant, he fell off a bench backwardly
causing his neck to be broken and the ninety eight years old man
died. Beloved this account of Eli and his sons is a grim reminder that
God, at his own time and in his own way, metes out rewards and
punishments.
The second category of wayward children involved the sons of
Samuel. As priest, prophet, and Judge, Samuel had been an effective
leader and was respected by the Israelites. In his later years, how-
ever, Samuel made his sons judges over Israel ( I Sam. 8:1 ). His
son, Joel and Abiah, walked note in his ways, but turned aside after
lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Soon the elders of
Israel gathered themselves together at Ramah and said unto Samuel,
Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us
a king to judge us like all the nations. ( I Sam. 8: 5 ).
Samuel was troubled by their request and he approached the
Lord about the issue. The Lord said unto Samuel, Harken unto the
voice of the people in all that they say unto thee, for they have not
rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign
over them ( I Sam 8:7 )
That divine mandate constitutes the third consideration in the
sermon - the shift from Judges to Kings. Although Samuel was sadden
by Israel’s request, he did as God had commanded; however, he did
warn them of problems that would come from a kingship. At first,
the King was admired and respected. Later the first King, Saul,
deviated from Divine leadership, was warned by Samuel, and later
died in warfare. The next King, David, eventually commenced to
fall into dishonor with God. In the interest of time, this sermon must
end before a complete recount can be presented on the kingship
of the Israelites. Fortunately, we - members of the Christian family -
have King Jesus who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
