Things had changed and the enemy didn’t know it. 1 Sam 7
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the Earth to strengthen(show Himself strong to) those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
According to the seer Hanani who spoke these words, God is looking for opportunities to help those fully committed to Him.
Israel under the leadership of Samuel (also a seer) had turned back to the Lord. He’d told them to get rid of their idols and serve God only and they had. Samuel told them when they did this God would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, the Philistines.
As soon as the Israelites assembled at Mizpah, to worship God under Samuel’s leading, the Philistines gathered to attack them. Samuel poured out a drink offering of water to the Lord and Israel acknowledged their sins. Then Samuel sacrificed a Lamb (Jesus is our Passover Lamb) and cried out to the Lord for the people, who were in fear of their enemies.
GET RID OF IDOLS(anything taking place of God) – REPENT (turn away from sin) – WORSHIP GOD IN TRUTH.
Whilst Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle but that day the Lord thundered with LOUD THUNDER against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. The men of Israel rushed out and pursued the Philistines slaughtering them along the way. 1 Samuel 7:10, 11
There then follows a list of all the things God now did for His people after they’d turned to Him. Throughout Samuel’s lifetime the Hand of the Lord was against the Philistines. God kept the enemy under His Hand, just as they’d done with Israel. The towns from Ekron to Gath were restored and neighbouring territory delivered. Peace between Israel and the Amorites.
SUBDUED ENEMIES FOR A LIFETIME – RESTORED THE LOST/STOLEN – PEACE
God is still looking for opportunities to show Himself strong on behalf of His people today. The first step is to seek Him for anything that’s going to block His blessings. We must obey fully, the promise is for THOSE FULLY COMMITTED TO HIM. Don’t try to justify something the Spirit of God puts His finger on. Samuel knew God would defeat the Philistines but he had to get Israel to change first. Once that happened their enemies were toast (as in badly burnt).
May we return to God today and see His deliverance in our lives.
God bless and keep you.