Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 7:2-17
A. Samuel’s Ministry as Israel’s Judges 7:2-17As a totally dedicated Nazarite who followed the stipulations of the Mosaic Covenant as best he could, Samuel became a source of deliverance for Israel. The writer recorded two deliverances in this chapter.This section sounds more like the Book of Judges than does any other in 1 or 2 Samuel. The cycle of religious experience repeated six times in that book occurs here as well. That cycle consists of blessing, apostasy, discipline, repentance,... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 7:2-4
1. Samuel’s spiritual leadership 7:2-4Twenty years after the Philistines had returned the ark, Samuel led the people in national repentance. [Note: Ralph W. Klein, 1 Samuel, pp. 65-66; Wood, The Prophets . . ., p. 159, n. 12.] Samson’s ministry may have taken place during these 20 years. [Note: Idem, Distressing Days of the Judges, pp. 303-4.] The Philistine oppression resulted in the Israelites turning to Yahweh for help (1 Samuel 7:2). Samuel told the people what they needed to do to secure... read more