1 Samuel 25:1
Verse 1 Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran.
The tension that had been brewing in the nation of Israel is now taking a break as the beloved spiritual leader and prophet has died. This man who had anointed both Saul and David, started a college for prophets and done many other things for the nation is now being grieved by the whole of the nation. This would have been something like when Billy Graham died, it was felt by more than those who had been in personal contact with him.
Our verse today tells us that all of Israel came together to mourn him. Personal issues set aside, strife put on pause and hate momentarily forgotten, the people of Israel stop looking between Saul and David to think about the old prophet and the work he had done. This was a time of reflection and assessing where they had been as a nation and may have caused some wondering about where they were going in the future.
Saul had an inconsistent relationship with the prophet. The king had met the prophet because he was looking for some runaway donkeys and thought the prophet may be able to ask the Lord where they were (1 Samuel 9). Samuel did better than tell him the animals’ location by not only inviting him and his servant to a special banquet, but make them the guests of honor.
Saul would also be remembering the huge piece of meat placed in front of him. Kish, Saul’s father, was a wealthy man and so it is likely that Saul had enjoyed a large portion before, after all, he was the largest man in the nation (1 Samuel 9:2). But this time was special and the prophet hadn’t told him why. That was long ago and since then his interactions with the prophet had been more negative.
David was also reflecting. He would have been remembering the day he was called in from the field where he was tending the sheep only to meet a kindly old man who anointed his head with oil saying he was to be the king someday. David could also have been thinking about times of asking the man for wisdom. David would have been thankful for so many positive memories.
So many people had memories of this man and God had used him in many ways, all because he answered the Lord’s call on his life.
Making It Personal
Who is someone that has made a big difference in your life? Was it for the positive or negative? Who are you intentionally helping to grow?
Making It Personal Kids
Has someone ever made a big difference in your life? Did it make you happy? Are you helping others grow?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for planting people in our lives to help us grow spiritually. Help us look for ways to breathe life into other people’s lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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