1 Samuel 7:3-4 – Staying spiritually intact

The last time Samuel was referred to was in verse 1 of chapter 4, where it was said that “The word of Samuel came to all of Israel.” After that, he was not mentioned all this while when God was dealing with the people of Israel as well as the Philistines. Now in 1 Samuel 7:3, we find him speaking to the people again. This time he spoke to guide them in their return to God. This was a long twenty years since the Ark came to Kiriath-jearim. Though the word said nothing of how the people of Israel conducted their lives we can surmise from verses 1 Samuel 7:3-4. The fact that he had to tell them to remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth which they did, implied that they had engaged in idolatry during all those twenty years. How could God have blessed their lives, when they so blatantly violated His clear instruction not to have other gods before Him? The good news is that finally, after twenty years of misery they lamented after the Lord.

We need to know that shedding tears alone is not an indication of a change of heart. People do cry when they regret what they have done. The Israelites’ lament was just the first needful part of repentance. But at least they came to the realization of how far they had departed from the life that God intended for them to have. What’s encouraging was that they lamented after the lord. Sensing the moment, Samuel seized it and guided the people to true repentance. From the admonition Samuel gave them, we learn what true repentance entails.

Firstly, they must return to God. Weeping and tears of sorrow alone aren’t enough. There must be a strong resolution to come back to God. It calls for firm decisive actions to obediently come before God. Secondly, there must be the putting away of the idols. They were told to remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among them. Thirdly, there must be a redirection of one’s affection to God. This demands a commitment of one’s whole heart and mind. They must be a 180-degree turn to commit oneself to God one hundred percent.  Fourthly, there must be a willingness to serve God.

When true repentance is shown, the promises of God would be assured.  So, Samuel assured them that God will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. Verse 4 tells us saying, “So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the Lord alone.” The people followed the instructions of Samuel and took decisive actions. To stay on course with God, we must put away what is offensive to Him. There must be a radical change of heart and mind to obediently embrace the instructions of God. We don’t need twenty years of miserable life to come to the realization of how much we need Him. Every one of us should learn to keep short accounts with God and find His promises true in every situation of life. Walk gingerly before Him for He is holy!