1 Samuel 7:1-17 | Andrew Murch | Though the Ark of the Covenant has returned from enemy lines and is back in the hands of the Israelites, a couple of decades pass with no progress. The people of Israel are still living in fear of their Philistine neighbors and seem to have no interest in serving Yahweh. Behind the scenes, in these decades since Samuel had been called by the Lord, Samuel is growing into a true prophet and priest. His first message is what all prophets of the Lord say, he calls Israel to repent and turn from the false gods that keep stealing their attention and worship. For a moment, instead of a flashback to Judges, this feels like a flashback to Joshua 24 where Joshua implores the people of Israel in the same way. Joshua called the people of Israel to turn from their idols and cling to Yahweh. At that time the people renewed their covenant before the Lord, and once again they seem to be doing the same thing here. They confess their sins, they put aside their false gods (and false hopes), and follow Samuel’s lead in worship and reverence of the Lord. THIS is what the Lord wanted from Israel all along and while the aroma of the sacrifice was still in the air and the prayers still on the lips of the people, the Lord defended them against their powerful enemy. What we have already seen from God is proven again, no man can shape or thwart God’s plan, he is sovereign over his people. The Lord judges the corrupt and honors the humble whose hearts are submitted to him. In this story the proverb is in action, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jam. 5:6, 1 Pet. 5:5, Prov. 3:4). God’s people never were able to and never will be victorious because of their own might and strength. To God alone is the might, power, strength, and victory and God’s people submit their hearts to him in faithful humility.