For I have told him that I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons blasphemed God, and he did not restrain them.
1 Samual 3:13
One of two stories generally come to mind when we think of Samual; as a child when he slept in the Tabernacle and heard God’s voice, or as an old man, when he anointed the seventh son of Jesse, a ruddy shepherd boy name David. Yet, in the lifetime that intervened Samuel gained a reputation that “the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. And all Israel knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there, and Samuel’s words went out to all of Israel.” 1 Samual 3:19 – 4:1
Eli was the high priest in the Tabernacle of God in Shiloh while Samuel was a youth. But, Eli’s two sons were corrupt and abused their position as priests. Eli said to them, “I hear reports about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons! If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?” 1 Samual 2:23-25 But Eli’s rebuke was spiritless, and his sons wouldn’t listen to their father. The first message Samuel heard from the Lord was a judgment against Eli’s family. The sons of Eli were killed and the Ark of God’s Presence was lost in a battle with the Philistines. The Ark never returned to Shiloh, and for twenty years Israel “mourned because it seemed the Lord had abandoned them.” 1 Samual 7:2
As a grown man Samuel was well known delivering God’s word. He called the people to return to the Lord with all your hearts, get rid of your idols and turn their hearts to the Lord. Then the Lord would rescue them from the Philistines. As Israel gathered together, Samuel prayed. And as the Philistine army approached, God thundered from the heavens, scattering the confused Philistines. So, the Philistines were subdued and didn’t invade Israel again for some time. And throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the Lord’s powerful hand was raised against the Philistines. Samuel continued as Israel’s judge for the rest of his life.1 Samual 7:13-15
Hebrews 11:32 mentions Samual because he ruled with justice. By faith he heard the voice of God, proclaimed his word and led the people. 1Samual 7:15-16 says, Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. He went from year to year on a circuit and judged Israel in all their cities. But that heritage of faith comes to us with a warning, for as Eli failed to discipline his sons, it appears that Samuel also fell short in the same area. As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. 1 Samual 8:1-3
It’s important that our children hear us speaking God’s Word, for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 We’re advised to not withhold correction from a child In Proverbs 23:13. If our children lack correction from their earthly father, how will they respond to God’s correction? The answer is implied in this exhortation from Hebrews 12:5; And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him. Fathers, receive the Lord’s correction as dear sons, and teach your children well.
Read: 1 Samual 7 – 8; Hebrews 12:3-11; Proverbs 23:13, 22:15, 15:5
Listen: My Son