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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 7 - Verse 9

7:9
And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.

Meaning

In this verse, we see Samuel, a prophet and judge of Israel, making a sacrifice to the Lord on behalf of the nation of Israel. He takes a young lamb and offers it as a burnt offering unto the Lord, symbolizing his devotion and surrender to God. By offering the lamb as a sacrifice, Samuel is seeking forgiveness and favor from the Lord for the people of Israel. This act of sacrifice and prayer demonstrates Samuel's faith and belief in the power of God to intervene on behalf of his people. The verse also highlights the importance of intercessory prayer, as Samuel cries out to the Lord on behalf of Israel, and the Lord hears and answers his prayers. This verse serves as a reminder of the role of prophets and leaders in seeking God's mercy and blessings for the nation, and the faithfulness of God to respond to the prayers of his people.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 1 Samuel 7:9, we see Samuel offering a young lamb as a burnt offering to the Lord while interceding for Israel. The act of offering a sacrificial lamb was a common practice in ancient Israel as a way to atone for sins and seek forgiveness from God. The lamb had to be unblemished and wholly dedicated to God, symbolizing purity and complete surrender to Him. This act of sacrifice demonstrated Samuel's deep faith and commitment to God, as he earnestly cried out to Him on behalf of his people. The Lord, in His mercy, heard Samuel's prayer and responded to the cry for help. This passage highlights the importance of prayer and seeking God's intervention in times of need. It also serves as a reminder of the power of intercession and the significance of offering sacrifices to God as a means of approaching Him with humility and repentance. Through this verse, we are encouraged to emulate Samuel's example of steadfast faith and reliance on the Lord in prayer.

American Standard Version

And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt-offering unto Jehovah: and Samuel cried unto Jehovah for Israel; and Jehovah answered him.
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