Topical Bible: Reproof: Samuel

◄ Reproof: Samuel ►

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Introduction

Reproof, a critical aspect of biblical instruction, involves correction and admonition aimed at guiding individuals back to righteousness. The life and ministry of Samuel, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, provide profound insights into the role of reproof in the spiritual and communal life of Israel. As a prophet, judge, and leader, Samuel's interactions with the people and their leaders highlight the importance of divine correction and the consequences of ignoring it.

Samuel's Early Life and Calling

Samuel's life begins with a miraculous birth, as his mother Hannah, previously barren, dedicates him to the Lord in gratitude for answering her prayers (1 Samuel 1:20-28). From a young age, Samuel is raised in the house of the Lord under the priest Eli. It is here that Samuel first experiences the call of God, receiving a message of reproof against Eli's household due to the sins of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Lord tells Samuel, "I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle" (1 Samuel 3:11). This initial act of reproof sets the stage for Samuel's prophetic ministry.

Reproof of Eli and His Sons

Eli's failure to restrain his sons, who "treated the LORD’s offering with contempt" (1 Samuel 2:17), leads to a divine pronouncement of judgment. Samuel, though a young boy, is entrusted with delivering this message of reproof. The Lord declares, "I will judge his house forever for the iniquity he knows about, because his sons have blasphemed God, and he has not restrained them" (1 Samuel 3:13). This reproof underscores the seriousness of spiritual leadership and the necessity of addressing sin within the community.

Reproof of the Israelites

As Samuel grows, he becomes a central figure in guiding Israel through a period of spiritual renewal. The Israelites, having strayed from the Lord, are called to repentance. Samuel admonishes them, saying, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only" (1 Samuel 7:3). This call to reproof and repentance leads to a national revival, demonstrating the power of turning back to God.

Reproof of King Saul

One of the most significant instances of reproof in Samuel's ministry involves King Saul. Initially chosen by God to lead Israel, Saul's disobedience and failure to fully carry out God's commands lead to his rejection as king. Samuel confronts Saul after his incomplete obedience regarding the Amalekites, stating, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). This reproof highlights the primacy of obedience over ritual and the severe consequences of disregarding God's commands.

Reproof and the Anointing of David

Following Saul's rejection, Samuel is directed by God to anoint David as the future king of Israel. This act serves as a reproof not only to Saul but also to the nation, emphasizing that God's choice is based on the heart rather than outward appearances. The Lord instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This reproof serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of inner righteousness.

Conclusion

Throughout his life, Samuel exemplifies the role of a faithful servant who delivers God's reproof with courage and integrity. His ministry underscores the necessity of heeding divine correction and the blessings that follow repentance and obedience. Samuel's legacy as a prophet and judge continues to serve as a model for spiritual leadership and the transformative power of reproof in aligning God's people with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 13:13
And Samuel said to Saul, You have done foolishly: you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which he commanded you: for now would the LORD have established your kingdom on Israel for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... For hence Peter willingly accepted Paul's rebuke (Galatians 2:11); hence David humbly
listened to the reproof of his subject (2 Samuel 12:7); because good ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

Saul Rejected
... He is steeling his heart against reproof; and there is only one end to ... To the vain
talk about honouring God by sacrifice, Samuel opposes the great principle ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

The First Kings.
... Remorse, the predictions of Samuel against him, and baleful passions, made Saul
so ... David bowed his head and wept under the pointed reproof, and began to cry ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Two Scenes.
... words that she was not drunken as he had supposed, he changed his reproof into a ...
As soon as Samuel (for this is what the mother named her son) was old enough ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter i two scenes.htm

Trace God's Government in History and in his Precepts, and You ...
... 2905] which also restored the house of Israel as often as it condemned it, and
addressed to it consolation no less frequently than reproof. ... 2904] 1 Samuel 14:45 ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xvii trace gods government in.htm

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... So Amnon was sick till he had defiled Tamar's chastity (2 Samuel 13 ... Peter 2:3). He
that spiritually hungers tastes the promises sweet, nay tastes a reproof sweet ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/13 the nature of spiritual.htm

The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament
... Furthermore, to establish the authority derived from a Moses or a Samuel it is ... when
he said that it was profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/ii the real nature and.htm

Of Love to God
... David's heart was fired with love to God, and he would not offer that to God which
cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24 ... A sharp reproof to those who do not love God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... When David escapes from Saul to Samuel, it is Jonathan who does all he can to ... and
laughs at us behind our back; who will give us counsel and reproof in the day ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

The Historical Books.
... any more than that of the two books which bear the name of Samuel. ... to effect a complete
extirpation of the Canaanites, and of the reproof administered to them ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm