Coming Clean - Starting Over

Things weren't going well for Israel. Politically they were fragmented, they ware militarily impotent and economically depressed. For decades they had experimented with local religious practices and were mired in idolatry. Somehow they were now at a breaking point - and breaking points can become turning points.

In their frustration they called out to God - which is often what it takes to get us focused - and God sent Samuel into action. 1 Samuel 7 tells how he urged the people to abandon their foreign gods. Then he convened a national conference to formalize their religious commitment renewal.

They gathered at Mizpah and Samuel led them in a ritual of confession and re-dedication. Part of that ceremony included a water ritual, but we don't know of another instance anywhere in the Bible where water was used in this way.

There was no washing of the people's hands, no ritual bathing.  No sacred drinking of the water.  The water was simply drawn out of a well and then 'poured out on the ground before the Lord.' This ritual may have come from an ancient practice, or it may have been a spontaneous gesture by Samuel.

The most probable explanation is that it was a ritual of cleansing. Water is used that way in religious traditions everywhere. Or perhaps Samuel 'poured it out 'before the Lord' as a visual reminder of the times Yahweh had delivered them by water - at the Red Sea, the Jordan, from rocks in the desert.

Perhaps it reminded them of their complete dependence on Yahweh as the provider of the simplest gifts of nature. Perhaps it was an act of confession of the folly, failure and waste of the squandered years. Perhaps a ritual of repentance, the abandoning of old practices.

Water is such a common element with such a variety of uses and yet so vital to life that a water ritual could work symbolically in many ways. Samuel is like a pre-cursor to John the Baptist.

This moment cemented Samuel’s role as a ‘leader in Israel’ (v6), but more significantly, it illustrates the character of Samuel’s life-long public ministry as a priest and intercessor. The young boy who learned to listen to God became one who poured out his life on behalf of others, bearing their burdens, bringing them to God. ‘He cried out to God on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.’ 1 Samuel 7:9. And Samuel himself says, “far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right” 1 Samuel 12:23.  If you want to lead, practice praying for others. 

Try using Samuel’s water-prayer yourself in the next few days. Fill a glass with water and pour it out slowly before the Lord, praying as you pour. Let the action suggest ways to come clean with God and to express your desire to renew your life in God’s ways. Do it again as you pray for others in your life.