Justin Houtz

1 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11

DateVersionReading Plan
April 11, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

1 Samuel 11-12

Observation & Interpretation

In chapter 12, following Saul’s defeat of the Ammonites, Samuel spoke to the people in a farewell address. He reminding them of his righteous rule as judge, recounted Israel’s history from Moses, the sin of the people in rebellion against the LORD and their wrongful request of an earthly king. The people collectively confessed their evil in asking for a king and pleaded that Samuel pray for them. Samuel did so, but implored them to not turn aside from following the LORD. He spoke of the LORD’s grace in not forsaking His people for His name’s sake because it pleased Him to make them a people for Himself. He urged them to serve the LORD faithfully with all their heart and warned them that both they and their king would be swept away if they still did wickedly.

Application

Far from what we deserve, God is patient and longsuffering with His people. He extends His grace to us despite our rebellion and even delights in making His people His own. This He does in order to showcase the greatness of His name. No more is His sacrificial love more exemplified than in the sending of His Son. While we were yet sinners, Christ came, took on flesh, lived blameless in our stead, was crucified at the hands of evil men and rose to new life in defeat of sin, satan and death. What other response are we to have than to fall at His feet in utter gratitude and devotion.

2 Corinthians 11

Observation & Interpretation

The words “boast” and “fool” (and their derivations) are repeated 10 times and 4 times, respectively. As the FSB points out, in speaking of foolishness, “Paul may be juxtaposing the common Greek idea of the foolish person versus the wise person (a dichotomy that also appears in Proverbs; e.g., Prov. 1:7).” Paul was bold in his self-declaration of foolishness, typifying what he had said in his previous letter to the Corinthians that God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. Contrary to the world and in demonstration his humility, Paul said that if he must boast, it would be in the things that show his weakness. By this, it would not be his own abilities on display but the Lord’s sovereign glory to work through weakness.

Application

Are we willing to be deemed foolish before the eyes of the world and unbelieving neighbors? Do we live so contrary to world’s exaltation of strength and prosperity that we actually boast in our weakness? What would others think if our lives revealed such a radical, gospel transformation? What impact would be made in the hearts of the lost to show that live not for things that will pass away but beholden to our Lord who is our greatest treasure?

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