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Esther Griggs

King SaulOld Testament Stories

King Saul

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

God had chosen Saul to be the first king of Israel. Samuel, in obedience to God anointed him, and the time came to proclaim him the King of Israel. Samuel gathered the people, proclaimed Saul King and Saul returned home.

The Gathering

Samuel called the people together at Mizpah so they could meet before the Lord. As God’s spokesperson, he reminded them again of God’s great deliverance from Egypt, the times He had delivered them from many kingdoms and from their oppressors. Then he told them they had rejected the God who had saved them from their enemies and from their various tribulations by saying they wanted a king. “Therefore, present yourselves to the Lord by your family groupings,” Samuel said.

Proclamation

After all the tribes came near, Samuel chose the tribe of Benjamin. When they came near, he chose the family of Matri and from there the son of Kish, Saul. But they could not find him. They turned to the Lord. “Where is he?” they asked. The Lord then told them the place where Saul was hiding. They ran and brought him out, this man who stood shoulder and above taller than everyone else. “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” asked Samuel. “Long live the King!” they shouted.

Sent Home

Samuel then explained to the people the behaviour of royalty, which he wrote in a book and laid before the Lord. After, he sent them all home. Saul also went home, but not alone. God touched the hearts of several valiant men to accompany him. There were, however, rebels who doubted his capabilities, hated him and refused to bring him presents. But Saul said nothing.

Samuel gathered the people, proclaimed Saul King, and Saul returned home.

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Saul: anointed

Anointed

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it over Saul’s head. Then he kissed him and said, “I am doing this because the LORD has appointed you to be the ruler over Israel his special possession.” It was a private moment between the prophet of the LORD and His newly anointed ruler. Following this act, Samuel gave Saul detailed information about the immediate future. Saul would meet two men, receive gifts, and meet a band of prophets.

Two Men

Samuel prophesied Saul would meet two men at Rachel’s tomb on the border of Benjamin. These men would inform him of the present situation. They would tell him the donkeys had been found, but now his father was worried about him. And it happened as Samuel prophesied.

Receive A Gift

The prophecy continued. At the Oak of Tabor, you will see three men on their way to worship at Bethel. One will have three goats, another three loaves of bread, and a third, a wineskin full of wine. They will greet you and offer you two of the loaves. Accept them.

A Band of Prophets

The last prophecy was regarding meeting a band of prophets at Gibeah of God. There was a garrison of Philistines there. “They will play a harp, a tambourine, a flute and a lyre, and they will be prophesying.” Then, most importantly, Samuel said, “the Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a new person.”

It must have been overwhelming, all these details at once. But surely, they solidified it was God at work, for they happened just as Samuel explained. Saul met two men, received a gift, and met a band of prophets.

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King Saul

Lost Donkeys

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Saul was only following his father’s commands when he set out. The donkeys were lost and needed to be found. Though his mission was unsuccessful, it led him to the place God wanted him. In 1 Samuel 9, we read of the young man Saul, his mission and God’s ultimate purpose.

Saul

Saul is described as the most handsome man in Israel. He also stood head and shoulders above everyone. From the tribe of Benjamin, his father was wealthy and influential. He did what his father asked and was concerned about his father’s concerns when they were gone too long. Then, when he needed direction, he heeded the word of his servant and sought the man of God. In his interactions with Samuel, he showed respect and humility.

His Mission

He was sent out with a servant to find his father’s lost donkeys. They looked through the entire land of Benjamin. When they entered the land of Zuph without finding them, he considered going home. His servant told him about the man of God in town whose word always came true. Perhaps he could guide them.

God’s Purpose

The day before, God spoke to Samuel, telling him that the next day, He would send him a man from the land of Benjamin. He instructed Samuel to anoint him with oil to be the leader of His people. God had heard their cries and in mercy would send Saul to rescue them from the Philistines.

When Saul approached Samuel, God said, “That’s the man I told you about! He will rule My people.” 

Samuel sent him to the place of worship and in the hall placed him at the head of the table, honouring him above thirty special guests and gave him choice portions. After, he provided a place to rest. In the morning, he sent them on their way but kept Saul behind. “I have a special message for you from God.”

Saul was only following his father’s commands when he set out. The donkeys were lost and needed to be found. Though his mission was unsuccessful, it led him to the place God wanted him. In 1 Samuel 9, we read of the young man Saul, his mission and God’s ultimate purpose.

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prayer

Desiring A King

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The Israelites looked to the nations around and desired a king. Samuel was offended. He had judged the nation for many years, and as he aged, he appointed his oldest sons to judge. Unlike Samuel, they were greedy, accepted bribes and perverted justice. The people demanded change. Samuel, offended, took his offence to God, obeyed the voice of the Lord, and found solace in God’s ultimate word.

Offended

The elders of Israel came to Samuel. “Samuel, there is something we have been wanting to talk to you about.” Samuel listened as they told him he was getting old, and his sons could never fill his shoes. “We want a king,” they said. It hurt. In his displeasure, he went to the Lord.

The Voice of the Lord

“Give them what they want,” God said. “It isn’t you they are rejecting. It is Me. Ever since I brought them out of their bondage in Egypt, they have been wanting to follow other gods. Now they are treating you the same. Give them what they want, but also warn them of the consequences.” Samuel warned the people as God instructed.

Solace

The Israelite elders remained unmoved. Samuel returned to the Lord. “Do as they say. Give them a king,” God said. Samuel agreed and sent them home. Nothing changed, but Samuel found solace in His God. The true God who hears and answers, who shares His heart, spoke peace into Samuel’s. Samuel took his offence to God, obeyed the voice of the Lord, and found solace in God’s ultimate word.

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Bible reflectionOur Great Deliverer

Ebenezer

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Ebenezer is a strange word that we encounter in the hymn Come thou fount of every Blessing. Here is the story behind it. The Ark of the Covenant now rested at the house of Abinadab on the hill. Eleazar was consecrated to care for it. During this time, Samuel exhorted the people to return to the Lord, put away their foreign gods and prepare their hearts. Samuel then gathered the people at Mizpah to pray for them. In 1 Samuel 7, we read of the Israelites turning to God, an encounter with their enemy, and God’s intervention on their behalf.

Repentance

When Samuel spoke to the people, they put away their false idols and served only the true God. They came at Samuel’s call to Mizpah where they fasted and confessed their sin.

Encounter with the Enemy

While at Mizpah the enemy came. How often does a test come to prove the work of God in the heart of His people? Gathered there, the lords of the Philistines came against them. Their fear, instead of turning back to the old ways, caused them to call on Samuel to intercede for them.

God’s Intervention

God intervened. When Samuel made an offering there and cried out to God. The Lord answered. He sent a loud thunder which confused the enemy, and the Israelites overcame them. Samuel then built an altar and called it Ebenezer, stating, “Thus far, the Lord has helped us.” Because they returned to God, when the enemy came, God’s power was there to deliver them. Because of Jesus, when our hearts are turned toward God, we call on Abba Father in our fear. Even though our faith may be as small as a grain of mustard seed, He will deliver us as He did the Israelites from the Philistines. These times should be memorialized, to give us something to encourage our feeble memories. In 1 Samuel 7, we read of the Israelites turning to God, an encounter with their enemy, and God’s intervention on their behalf.

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Alive in Christthe Glory of JesusThe Resurrection

Alive

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Jesus, after His resurrection, appeared in His earthly body to His disciples, alive. The gospels of John and Luke tell the stories. Mary Magdalene thought He was the gardener until he uttered her name. Thomas couldn’t believe until Jesus encouraged him to reach and touch His wounds. The two walking on the Emmaus Road didn’t recognize Him until their eyes were opened as He broke bread with them. Jesus showed up, alive, let them touch Him, and ate with them. He was not a ghost. These witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus tell of His power over death, His continued presence among the living, and His power toward those who believe.

His Power Over Death

The disciples witnessed His resurrection. The apostle Paul referred to Jesus as the first fruits of those who had fallen asleep. He writes of Adam by whom death came, and of Christ Jesus, through whom came the resurrection of the dead. Now, we bear the dust of the first man; in Christ, the Second Man, the heavenly. “Death is swallowed up in victory.” We need no longer fear death.

His Continued Presence

Not a moment goes by in the life of a believer without His continued presence. The apostle John records Jesus telling the disciples He had to go prepare a place for them, and would return, but, in the meantime, His Spirit would come as a comforter, teacher, and guide. Matthew writes when Jesus ascended into heaven, He said, “I am with you always.”

The Power to Live for Him

The same Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead is alive in the believer. Paul writes to the Ephesians and to us, “That you may know  … what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” These witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus tell of His power over death, His continued presence among the living, and His power toward those who believe.

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Cross of ChristEaster

A Willing Sacrifice

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The Old Testament scriptures point to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a willing sacrifice. Among them is the beautifully written passage of the suffering servant found in Isaiah 53 where we read of the Man, His mission, and God’s seal of approval.

The Man

God will watch the Man grow up. There will be no physical attributes to make Him desirable. Men will hate and reject Him. He will be well acquainted with sorrow and grief. It will be difficult to look on Him, this despised Man, nor give Him true worth. When oppressed, He will keep silent. He will be cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgressions of His people. He will experience prison and judgement. His grave will be with the wicked and He will be with the rich at His death. No violence will be found in Him, nor any deceit.

His Mission

What was His mission? He was to bear our grief and carry our sorrows. We will see Him as afflicted by God when He was wounded for our sins, bruised for our iniquities, chastised for our peace, and whipped for our healing. In our going astray, each in our own ways, God, the Lord laid on Him our iniquity.

God’s Seal

God’s seal is on these things. Isaiah writes, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.” How can this be? We struggle to comprehend the actions of a loving Father. Then we read, “When You make His soul an offering for sin.” And further on, “My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.” Then comes the reward! “I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong.” God didn’t do it to Jesus. This Jesus, as best described in Hebrews 10:5, “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. And in Hebrews 10:7. “Behold I have come–In the volume of the book it is written of Me-to do Your will, O God,” was a willing sacrifice.

In this beautifully written passage of the suffering servant found in Isaiah 53, we read of the Man, His mission and God’s seal of approval. Rejoice and be glad!!

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EasterJesus, King of Kings Lord of LordspraiseProphecy

The King Arrives

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

“Rejoice greatly! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem!” The words of the prophet Zechariah ring through the ages. To a nation suffering the ups and downs of a tormented history, waiting the arrival of the long promised Messiah, he admonishes them to rejoice. The Holy Spirit of God moved Zechariah to proclaim these words, brought them to fruition, and leaves us with an eternal truth.

The Holy Spirit

The Spirit moved mighty men of God to speak His truth. We don’t know how much Zechariah understood, but we know he didn’t see the fulfillment of the words. He knew however, that in the fulfillment of the words, his prophetic voice would be validated.

Word Bears Fruit

Both Matthew and Luke begin the story of the triumphal entry by crediting Zechariah with the prophesy of this event. Though he lived in the days of Darius and was murdered between the temple and the altar, the words he spoke were of the Spirit and as such, produced fruit. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey’s foal, the people erupted in praise. The Son of God had been moving throughout their towns, healing, teaching, delivering. The time to rejoice had come.

An Eternal Truth

It is an eternal truth. The eternal God is worthy of praise. His Son Jesus is the King of all Kings and Lord of Lords. When He is in attendance, there must be praise. When the religious leaders told Jesus to quiet his followers Jesus said, “I will tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

God speaks forth His word, it accomplishes what it was meant to do, and His praise goes forth! It is time to sing the high praises of our God!

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The ark of the covenant

The Ark in the Enemy’s Camp

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The ark of the covenant represented God to the Israelites. They believed it would bring them victory over their Philistine oppressors, but, it was captured by them. The ark was not to be trifled with and it wreaked havoc in the enemy’s camp. Its presence humiliated the Philistine god Dagon and brought its people to destruction, demanding a solution.

Dagon Humiliated

Dagon represented the big daddy of the Philistine gods. The large man like statue had its own house. The Philistines set the ark in Dagon’s house beside him. The first morning after, Dagon had fallen on his face toward the ark. They repositioned the statue. The following morning, it again had fallen on its face. This time however, the head and the palms were broken off and lay in the threshold. The ark of God’s presence proved too powerful for the Philistine god.

Destruction

Dagon was affected, but there was also widespread destruction. The hand of the Lord was heavy upon the city of Ashdod and surrounding territory. The land was ravaged by rats and tumours grew on the people. They begged the Philistine Lords to send it away. to Gath. The results were the same so it was sent on to Ekron where the devastation was either death or, tumours. The land and its people were devastated by its nearness for seven months.

Demanding A Solution

The great outcry of the people demanded a solution. They called on their priests and diviners. What could they do to get it back to its proper place? They didn’t want to send it back empty so they made golden images of the rats and the tumours as a trespass offering. They remembered how the Egyptians hardened their hearts toward the Israelites. They decided to build a new cart to transport the ark with the golden articles and they found two milk cows to take it to Beth – Shemesh. If the cows found their way, it would verify it had been acts of God. The cows did not vere from the path indicating God almighty had been in their midst. The people of Beth-Shemesh rejoiced to see it return.

The presence of the ark in the area of the Philistines humiliated their god Dagon and brought its people to destruction, demanding a solution.

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Prophecy

Fulfilled

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

The first message God delivered to Samuel was of events that would tingle the ears of all who had heard. He was a boy, frightened by what he had heard and only when Eli pressured him to, did he reveal it. It wasn’t a new message. A man of God delivered the dire message to Eli previously. The prophet Amos wrote God doesn’t do anything without revealing His secrets to the prophets, His servants. In these first few chapters of 2 Samuel, God gave a message of judgement, later confirmed and in His time, fulfilled it.

Judgement

God hates wickedness, and He will judge it. The apostle Peter states that it begins with God’s house. Eli’s son’s, God’s representatives to His people, profaned the offering, and dishonoured the people of God. Eli knew of it and did nothing to restrain them. God said he would remove his house from their place in the the priesthood.

Confirmed

The message to Eli, through the unnamed prophet, was also confirmed when God spoke it to Samuel. No prophecy, according to Peter, comes from one’s own personal interpretation. It isn’t an act of man’s will. Rather it is people moved by the Holy Spirit. God confirmed the message by also giving it to Samuel.

Fulfilled

God fulfilled the prophecy, as He always does, in His own time. During a battle with the Philistines, rather than looking to God, the people of Israel looked to the Ark of the covenant for their help. When it came into the camp, the people made such a noise that the Philistines, fearing for their lives, attacked them. The Ark of the covenant was taken and Eli’s sons died. Eli, upon hearing the news, fell over backwards and died. His daughter-in-law gave birth and named her child Ichabod, which means the glory of the Lord has departed. This was a sad ending to their highly esteemed positions in the priesthood. In these first few chapters of 1 Samuel, God gave a message of judgement, later confirmed and in His time fulfilled it.

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