Shiloh

August 3, 2009

In that time, the gods of the world were worshiped on high places. They were seen as fickle tyrants who looked down on the masses, who might give a blessing or a curse according to whim. They blessed the strongest and most successful, while pushing the poor and needy ever more deeply into bondage. Instead, the God of Israel was compassionate. In Shiloh, He granted Hannah’s heart's desire (1 Sam. 1). She wanted a son and promised to return him to God. God rewarded her faith and gave her Samuel. The God of Israel allowed anyone to come to see the evidence of His blessings.

Walking Up to the Lord’s Hill

Let’s join a pilgrim of Bible times on the road to Shiloh through the Fertile Crescent. Abraham walked this way on his way to Hebron. Jacob slept on a pillow of rock nearby. Traveling north from Jerusalem, you pass by Bethel, where you can still see the watchtowers and the terraced fields. The lush farmland of the Jordan Valley is a few miles to the east, with the plains of Sharon a short distance west. Ahab built his “ivory palace” not far to the north. Jacob dug wells nearby.

When you arrive at the hill, you can look down from above and see the tabernacle from a distance, or you can walk right up to it. There, you may find the remains of an ancient press that was used for both olive oil and wine. That was probably because using the products from this press would not leave any chance of corruption between the time of purchase and the time of the offering the sacrifice. So, what will you do? God is watching. Will you worship in His presence? Will you work a little harder, just to be sure you don't make any errors? Will you be content, knowing that He is satisfied with the work you are already doing? You can be sure God is not only watching, but He is also ready to take action. Like Hannah of old, He will listen to your heart's cry. He wants you to come close, and then He wants you to see the evidence of His presence.

The tabernacle was established by Joshua in Shiloh (Josh. 18:1). The city and the Ark of the Covenant were captured by the Philistines during the time of Eli, the high priest. Samuel, raised and trained in Shiloh, anointed both Saul and David, kings of Israel. Later, David moved the toJerusalem, and later still, Solomon replaced the tabernacle with theTemple there. Today, Shiloh is considered by many to be a minor, and possibly illegal, outpost in the hills north of Jerusalem, but to believers, it is still the place where God’s presence once dwelt.