1 Samuel 14:47-52 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 1 Samuel 14:47-52. As usual, I encourage you to read the passage yourself first and see what you can glean with the Holy Spirit’s help, then read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
1 Samuel 14:47-48 (NIV)
47 After Saul had assumed rule over Israel, he fought against their enemies on every side: Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment on them.
48 He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.
On verses 47-48: Saul indeed faced challenges on every side: to the east he battled the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Edomites; to the north he contended with the kings of Zobah; to the west he fought the Philistines; and to the south, the Amalekites. Yet verse 47 says that “wherever he went, he was victorious” and God granted Saul success. I pray the same for you. You may feel like you are facing challenges on every side right now. But like Saul in verse 47, I pray that with God’s help and for God’s glory you will be victorious and successful wherever you turn.
1 Samuel 14:49-51 (NIV)
49 Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua. The name of his older daughter was Merab, and that of the younger was Michal.
50 His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of Saul’s army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was Saul’s uncle.
51 Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.
On verses 49-51: Right after mentioning a number of Saul’s mistakes and victories, 1 Samuel here names Saul’s sons, daughters, wives, cousins, and uncles. It’s a reminder that all of Saul’s actions — his victories and his mistakes — had an immediate and direct impact on the people closest to him. In the same way, may we never forget that the decisions we make affect not just us alone, but those closest to us, especially our spouse, children, family and church family.
1 Samuel 14:52 (NIV)
52 All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service.
On verse 52: When you’re in the middle of a battle, you need to surround yourself with mighty and brave people. That’s what Saul learned. Similarly, every day for us is a battle. Like Saul, may you intentionally surround yourself with mighty, brave, godly people with whom you can win those battles together.
Heavenly Father, I pray for those reading this GAME sharing today. Thank You that You have given them everything they need to overcome the challenges they face on every side today. I pray that they would live gloriously for You. May they be a blessing to their family and church family. May they be intentional about aligning themselves with mighty, brave, godly people so that they can be victorious at every turn. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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