Notes: July 29, 2008 - 1 Samuel 28-29 & Psalm 145

Bob Feather July 29th, 2008

1 Samuel 28

The death of Samuel emphasized the fact that God had abandoned Saul to his own devices. The king who ordered the extermination of witches from the land, is found consulting one (1 Samuel 28:1-7).

The disguise is laughable (verse 8). If the witch can’t see past Saul’s ruse, then she’s hardly worth consulting.

A “Samuel apparition” frightens the witch and speaks with Saul (verses 12-15), foretelling Israel’s loss in the upcoming battle with the Philistines.

1 Samuel 29

David dutifully followed the Philistines toward battle with Israel. We shall never know what would have happened if the Philistines actually had engaged Israel in combat while David was on the “other” side, for the Philistine lords required Achish to send David and his men away from the troops (1 Samuel 29:4,7).

Sometimes God takes away the need for us to make difficult decisions.

Psalm 145

I will bless the Lord for ever and ever (verse 1).

Every day will I bless Thee (verse 2).

God is great (verse 3).

God is slow to anger (verse 8). Are you?

God is good to all (verse 9). Are you?

What do you desire (Psalm 145:19; Psalm 37:4)?

1 Samuel 28:1-7
1And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
2And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
3Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
4And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
5And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
6And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
7Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
1 Samuel 29:4,7
4And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?
7Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lords of the Philistines.
Psalm 145:19
19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Psalm 37:4
4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

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