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7 Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the governors of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard about it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
8 So the sons of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He will save us from the hand of the Philistines!”
9 Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him.
10 Now Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, and the Philistines advanced to battle Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were struck down before Israel.
11 And the men of Israel came out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and killed them as far as below Beth-car.
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.
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.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, please help me discern the schemes of the enemies and have victory through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.