Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Samuel 12 Devotional

For the Sake of His Name

“Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.”1 Samuel 12:22 (BSB)

Samuel stands before Israel as an old man and asks them to name anything he has taken or anyone he has cheated. They cannot (12:3-4). Then he reviews their history. Whenever they cried out to the LORD, he sent deliverers. Yet when Nahash threatened, they demanded a king, though the LORD was their king (12:9-12). Thunder and rain at wheat harvest drive the point home, and the people beg Samuel to pray that they will not die (12:17-19).

Samuel's answer is full of grace. He tells them not to be afraid. They have done wrong, but they must not turn aside from the LORD now (12:20). The reason is not their goodness. The LORD will not desert the people he chose to make his own, because his great name is at stake (12:22). God's commitment to his people rests on his own choice and his own glory, which makes it far sturdier than our record. Failure is a reason to return to him, not to run.

To think about: After a failure, do you tend to run from God or return to him, and what does this chapter invite you to do?

About 1 Samuel 12: Samuel’s Farewell Address

Samuel declares his integrity before the people and reviews how the LORD rescued Israel through judges, yet they demanded a king. A thunderstorm at harvest exposes their sin, and Samuel assures them God will not cast off His people, promises to keep praying, and urges faithful service.

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