Read 1 Samuel 12 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
12:1-5 {p} Samuel obtains Israel’s witness before YHVH, that he is innocent of their wrongdoing
12:6-17 {s} Samuel’s warning to Israel not to forsake YHVH or His commandments
12:18-25 {p} Israel’s dismay, but Samuel encouraged them to cling to YHVH with all their heart
The Strong themes:
12:6-25 {s+p} Samuel warned Israel not to forsake YHVH but to cling to Him with all their heart
1 Samuel 12:6-25 Chiastic Structure:
Samuel is making a Comparison and Contrast for the children of Israel, as his time serving as their judge has come to an end, since they now have a king to rule over them. When they returned to YHVH and did not forsake Him, He sent them deliverers, and they dwelt in safety. If they do forsake YHVH in the future, He will not send them deliverers, and they shall be swept away.
Safety is in Hebrew, Strong’s H983, betach, an adverb meaning “safely,” from Strong’s H982 בטח batach, a primitive verb meaning, “to trust.” The ancient pictographs are bet + tet + chet.
bet ב = the house, thus house, household, family, in, within
tet ט = the basket, thus surround, contain, hold, mud
chet ח = the wall, thus outside, divide, half
The parable being told by the Hebrew Root Word is of the family (bet) surrounded by (tet) the wall (chet). The abstract concept from this verb is security, because the family is secure within the walls of their house. When someone has put their trust in YHVH, then they become secure in Him, surrounded by His mercy, provision, and protection as a wall.
Dwelling securely is one of the many benefits conferred to His people on this side of heaven, of clinging to YHVH, and not rebelling against His commandments.
“So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety. Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there in safety.” Lev 25:18-19
“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Pro 1:32-33
My son, let them not depart from your eyes—keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Pro 3:21-24
“Behold, the days are coming,” says YHVH, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely. Now this is His name by which He will be called: YHVH IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jer 23:5-6
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