04.20.2016 Old Testament: 1Sa 31.1

To read the Bible in a year, read First Samuel 30–31 on April 20, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Saul’s sin not only hurt him, but the nation of Israel. The passage quoted below declares a sad time in Israel’s history,

Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell slain on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31.1).

The Philistines fought Israel endlessly, and Israel won, but when Israel did not remain loyal to the Lord who redeemed them from Egypt, they lost and suffered humiliation. However, this never had to happen. They just needed to continue to obey the Lord.

Questions:

• What happens in your life when you do not follow the Lord?
• What happens in your life when you do follow the Lord?