Philistine invasion

When a revival occurs, Satan’s attacks also intensify. An example of this can be seen in today’s passage. (1) Seeing all house of Israel gathered at Mizpah, the Philistines became afraid. They feared that Israel was preparing for war and launched a preemptive attack. (2) The Israelites, fearful, implored Samuel to fervently offer interceding prayers for them. (3) Samuel responded to their request by offering a sacrifice and praying to the Lord. This was a cry than a prayer. (4) Just as Samuel was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines began their attack on Israel. (5) At this moment, the Lord thundered with a great thunder, causing confusion in the Philistine army and handed a great victory to Israel.

Lessons for us

There are spiritual lessons for us in this battle. (1) Whenever we try to draw closer to the Lord, there will always be forces that work to stop and hinder us. These are the powers of evil spirits, the power of Satan. In this context, the Philistines are depicted as “type of Satan (evil spirits).” (2) The Israelites, afraid of the Philistine invasion, implored Samuel to pray for them. Similarly, when we face attacks from Satan (evil spirits), we can seek help from the Lord Jesus. The resurrected Jesus Christ now intercedes for us as our High Priest before God the Father. “Therefore He (Jesus Christ) is able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). What a comfort this is. (3) The Lord answered their prayers and gave Israel a great victory. He will also give us victory in the same way. The Apostle John writes, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Do you feel that your spiritual growth is being hindered by someone? If so, let’s cry out to the Lord Jesus Christ, the High Priest, for victory.