By the Spirit They Won

Enemies were besieging their city. The city’s leaders asked for terms of peace. The enemy’s condition for peace was that everyone in the city had to have their right eye gouged out. The city’s leaders replied, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.” The enemy granted their request.

“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him... [Praise God!]

King Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.”

The terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one... [Praise God!]

Saul had an united military force 330,000 strong. By the Spirit of God, they won.

After the battle was over, Samuel the prophet gathered the people together to make fellowship offerings unto the Lord and to celebrate their victory. [1]

Samuel addressed the participants at this celebration, saying:

“If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.”

“Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” [2]

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be a sacrifice for our sins... a sacrifice who brought us into fellowship with You and with one another. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to bring us into fellowship with you and with one another. Thank You for giving us Your commands in the Bible. Thank You for Your grace that gives us will to do according to Your good pleasure. We praise You for protecting us from evil. May we ever worship and serve You faithfully! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”

[1] 1 Samuel 11:1-15
[2] 1 Samuel 12:14-15, 21, 24