God is the ultimate Deliverer who rescues us, just as He rescued Israel from Egypt and other oppressing kingdoms.
“and he said to the sons of Israel, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, “I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.”’” (v.18)
This statement occurs in the context of Samuel speaking to the Israelites as he is about to demonstrate that Saul has been chosen by God as their king. Samuel reminds them of the LORD’s mighty acts, saying “…I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians…” (v.18). Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa along the fertile banks of the Nile, was the powerful empire that once enslaved the Hebrew people under Pharaoh. Around 1446 BC (traditionally), the LORD delivered the Israelites from bondage, leading them toward the Promised Land—a foundational event referred to many times in Scripture because it symbolizes God’s rescuing power. By highlighting this event, Samuel underscores the fact that Israel’s history, identity, and freedom rest on God’s saving grace, not human initiative.
Furthermore, Samuel affirms that God not only delivered the Hebrew people from Egypt but also rescued them “…from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.” (v.18). Following their exodus, the Israelites encountered numerous hostile nations in their journey and subsequent settlement in Canaan. Over and over, the LORD protected His people from those who sought to destroy them, which further demonstrated His covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). In these words, Samuel reminds them that God has always been their true Deliverer. Historically, this time of Samuel (around 1050 BC) bridges the period between the judges and the monarchy. Samuel stands as the last judge of Israel, transitioning leadership to Saul, their first earthly king, as demanded by the people.
This foreshadows how true deliverance is ultimately realized in Jesus, who delivers His followers from the bondage of sin (John 8:36). Like the Israelites who forgot God’s powerful deeds, the human heart can lose sight of the Lord’s mighty works, seeking deliverance by human methods. Yet, as Samuel emphasized, God’s liberating action remains decisive. Disobedience or misplaced dependence does not erase God’s role as King and Savior; but recognizing and responding to God’s sovereignty leads to blessing and freedom in Him.
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1 Samuel 10:18 meaning
“and he said to the sons of Israel, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, “I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.”’” (v.18)
This statement occurs in the context of Samuel speaking to the Israelites as he is about to demonstrate that Saul has been chosen by God as their king. Samuel reminds them of the LORD’s mighty acts, saying “…I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians…” (v.18). Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa along the fertile banks of the Nile, was the powerful empire that once enslaved the Hebrew people under Pharaoh. Around 1446 BC (traditionally), the LORD delivered the Israelites from bondage, leading them toward the Promised Land—a foundational event referred to many times in Scripture because it symbolizes God’s rescuing power. By highlighting this event, Samuel underscores the fact that Israel’s history, identity, and freedom rest on God’s saving grace, not human initiative.
Furthermore, Samuel affirms that God not only delivered the Hebrew people from Egypt but also rescued them “…from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.” (v.18). Following their exodus, the Israelites encountered numerous hostile nations in their journey and subsequent settlement in Canaan. Over and over, the LORD protected His people from those who sought to destroy them, which further demonstrated His covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). In these words, Samuel reminds them that God has always been their true Deliverer. Historically, this time of Samuel (around 1050 BC) bridges the period between the judges and the monarchy. Samuel stands as the last judge of Israel, transitioning leadership to Saul, their first earthly king, as demanded by the people.
This foreshadows how true deliverance is ultimately realized in Jesus, who delivers His followers from the bondage of sin (John 8:36). Like the Israelites who forgot God’s powerful deeds, the human heart can lose sight of the Lord’s mighty works, seeking deliverance by human methods. Yet, as Samuel emphasized, God’s liberating action remains decisive. Disobedience or misplaced dependence does not erase God’s role as King and Savior; but recognizing and responding to God’s sovereignty leads to blessing and freedom in Him.