Lamenting after the LORD
1 Sam. 7:2
The Israelites had been disobedient to the LORD and had turned away from Him. As a result, the ark of the covenant was captured by the Philistines. But as the hand of the LORD was too heavy upon the Philistines, the Ark was later returned to Israel. Because of their unfaithfulness to the LORD, many cities and lands were captured by the Philistines and the Israelites were also under their control and influence. But after many years had passed, the Israelites lamented after the LORD (1 Sam. 7:2).
When the Israelites once again sought after the LORD, they were told by Samuel to remove their foreign gods and to direct their hearts to the LORD. They came saying, “We have sinned against the LORD” (1 Sam. 7:6). And as Samuel prayed for the people, “the LORD answered him” (1 Sam. 7:9).
The war that followed was the story of the complete routing of the Philistines by the Israelites. They took back the lands and cities that had been captured by the Philistines.
- To draw near to God, we need to set aside and remove all foreign gods that we have been amassing over the years.
- No matter how long time has passed, the LORD is always ready to listen to us when we long for Him and look for Him.
- How important it is for leaders to intercede for the people!
- The LORD does not leave His people. He looks out for them and sees them all the time.
Let us, therefore, turn to Him as we face these hardships and take back all those lands that we have lost to the enemy.
