1 Samuel 12 Study Notes: 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.
General
True or False: Samuel said that if he stopped praying for the people, he would be sinning against the LORD.
Answer: True
This is true. Samuel told the people that it would be unthinkable for him to wrong the LORD by no longer praying for them, and that he would keep teaching them the way that is good and right (12:23). Praying for God’s people was part of his calling. He had called on the LORD for Israel at Mizpah when the Philistines threatened (7:9), and a psalm remembers him as one who prayed to God and was answered (Psalm 99:6). Paul likewise told believers he never stopped praying for them (Colossians 1:9).
- 1 Samuel 12:23 (BSB)“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.”Samuel says he will not sin by ceasing to pray for the people.
- 1 Samuel 7:9 (BSB)“Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.”At Mizpah Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him.
- Psalm 99:6 (BSB)“Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered.”Samuel is remembered as one who called on the LORD and was answered.
- Colossians 1:9 (BSB)“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”Paul says he has not stopped praying for the believers.
Theological
True or False: Samuel regarded ceasing to intercede for Israel as sinning against the LORD (1 Samuel 12:23).
Answer: True
This is true. Samuel counts the cessation of intercession as a sin against God and pledges to keep instructing Israel in the way that is good and right (12:23). Intercession belonged to his prophetic office: he called on the LORD for Israel at Mizpah (7:9) and is remembered as one who prayed to God and was answered (Psalm 99:6). Paul’s unceasing prayer for the churches reflects the same ministry (Colossians 1:9).
- 1 Samuel 12:23 (BSB)“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.”Samuel says he will not sin by ceasing to pray for the people.
- 1 Samuel 7:9 (BSB)“Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.”At Mizpah Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him.
- Psalm 99:6 (BSB)“Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered.”Samuel is remembered as one who called on the LORD and was answered.
- Colossians 1:9 (BSB)“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”Paul says he has not stopped praying for the believers.
General
What did Samuel tell the people to think about as a reason for faithful, reverent service to God (1 Samuel 12:24)?
Answer: The great things the LORD had done for them
Samuel’s final charge was to revere the LORD and give Him faithful, wholehearted service, remembering the great things He had done for them (12:24). He also warned that if they kept on doing evil, both they and their king would be swept away (12:25). Moses had likewise reminded Israel that the LORD had done great, awe-inspiring wonders before their eyes (Deuteronomy 10:21), and Joshua urged the people to revere God and serve Him sincerely (Joshua 24:14). Remembering God’s past goodness was to shape their loyalty to Him.
- 1 Samuel 12:24 (BSB)“Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”Samuel urges the people to fear and serve the LORD, remembering His great deeds.
- 1 Samuel 12:25 (BSB)“But if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.””Samuel warns that persisting in evil will sweep away both people and king.
- Deuteronomy 10:21 (BSB)“He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders that your eyes have seen.”Moses pointed Israel to the great wonders God had done before their eyes.
- Joshua 24:14 (BSB)“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”Joshua called Israel to fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity.
Theological
In his closing charge, what motive for fearing and serving the LORD does Samuel set before Israel (1 Samuel 12:24)?
Answer: The great things the LORD had done for them
Samuel’s closing charge grounds obedience in grace remembered: reverence for the LORD and faithful, wholehearted service, in view of the mighty deeds He has accomplished for them (12:24), as Moses (Deuteronomy 10:21) and Joshua (Joshua 24:14) had urged. The warning follows: persistent evil will sweep away both people and king (12:25).
- 1 Samuel 12:24 (BSB)“Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”Samuel urges the people to fear and serve the LORD, remembering His great deeds.
- 1 Samuel 12:25 (BSB)“But if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.””Samuel warns that persisting in evil will sweep away both people and king.
- Deuteronomy 10:21 (BSB)“He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders that your eyes have seen.”Moses pointed Israel to the great wonders God had done before their eyes.
- Joshua 24:14 (BSB)“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”Joshua called Israel to fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity.
General
Which list matches the deliverers Samuel says the LORD sent to rescue Israel (1 Samuel 12:11)?
Answer: Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, Samuel
In answer to the people’s cry, God raised up Jerubbaal and Barak, then Jephthah, and finally Samuel himself, and rescued Israel from the enemies all around them so that they lived in safety (12:11). Jerubbaal is another name for Gideon (Judges 7:1). Samuel names himself as well; in his days the LORD had subdued the Philistines (7:13). The New Testament names Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel among those who acted by faith (Hebrews 11:32). Samuel’s point is that the LORD Himself had always been Israel’s Savior, sending deliverers whenever His people cried out.
- 1 Samuel 12:11 (BSB)“So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.”Samuel names the deliverers the LORD sent to rescue Israel.
- Judges 7:1 (BSB)“Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.”Judges identifies Jerubbaal as Gideon.
- 1 Samuel 7:13 (BSB)“So the Philistines were subdued, and they stopped invading the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”The LORD subdued the Philistines through Samuel’s days.
- Hebrews 11:32 (BSB)“And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,”Hebrews lists Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel among those who acted by faith.
Theological
Which deliverers does Samuel name as the LORD’s answer to Israel’s cry (1 Samuel 12:11)?
Answer: Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, Samuel
The LORD answered the cry by sending Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and finally Samuel; He gave Israel security on every side (12:11). Jerubbaal is Gideon (Judges 7:1); Samuel lists himself, the LORD having subdued the Philistines in his days (7:13). Hebrews 11:32 names the same four among the heroes of faith. The argument is that the LORD had consistently been Israel’s Deliverer, which makes the demand for a king the more culpable (12:12).
- 1 Samuel 12:11 (BSB)“So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.”Samuel names the deliverers the LORD sent to rescue Israel.
- Judges 7:1 (BSB)“Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.”Judges identifies Jerubbaal as Gideon.
- 1 Samuel 7:13 (BSB)“So the Philistines were subdued, and they stopped invading the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”The LORD subdued the Philistines through Samuel’s days.
- Hebrews 11:32 (BSB)“And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,”Hebrews lists Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel among those who acted by faith.
General
After the people confessed their sin, what did Samuel tell them to do (1 Samuel 12:20)?
Answer: Stop fearing and serve God wholeheartedly
Samuel did not deny that the people had done wrong, but he told them not to be afraid. Instead of turning away from the LORD, they were to follow Him and serve Him with their whole heart (12:20). They must not chase worthless things, meaning idols, which cannot help or rescue anyone because they are empty (12:21). The prophets later describe idols the same way (Isaiah 44:9; Jeremiah 16:19). The right answer to sin was not to run from God but to return and serve Him, as Moses had taught (Deuteronomy 10:12).
- 1 Samuel 12:20 (BSB)““Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.”Samuel tells the people not to fear but to serve the LORD with all their heart.
- 1 Samuel 12:21 (BSB)“Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.”Samuel warns against turning to worthless things that cannot deliver.
- Isaiah 44:9 (BSB)“All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.”Isaiah calls idols and the things idol makers treasure worthless.
- Jeremiah 16:19 (BSB)“O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.”Jeremiah describes inherited idols as worthless and of no benefit.
- Deuteronomy 10:12 (BSB)“And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,”Moses called Israel to fear and serve the LORD with all their heart.
Theological
How did Samuel direct the penitent people after their confession (1 Samuel 12:20-21)?
Answer: Stop fearing and serve God wholeheartedly
Samuel neither minimizes their sin nor leaves them in fear: they are to keep following the LORD and give Him wholehearted service (12:20), not turning aside after empty things, idols that cannot profit or save (12:21; compare Isaiah 44:9; Jeremiah 16:19). The proper response to sin is renewed covenant loyalty, the wholehearted service Moses required (Deuteronomy 10:12).
- 1 Samuel 12:20 (BSB)““Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.”Samuel tells the people not to fear but to serve the LORD with all their heart.
- 1 Samuel 12:21 (BSB)“Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.”Samuel warns against turning to worthless things that cannot deliver.
- Isaiah 44:9 (BSB)“All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.”Isaiah calls idols and the things idol makers treasure worthless.
- Jeremiah 16:19 (BSB)“O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.”Jeremiah describes inherited idols as worthless and of no benefit.
- Deuteronomy 10:12 (BSB)“And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,”Moses called Israel to fear and serve the LORD with all their heart.
General
When Israel’s ancestors begged the LORD for help in their trouble, what sin did they confess (1 Samuel 12:10)?
Answer: They had left Him for the Baals
In their distress the people begged the LORD for help and confessed that they had sinned by forsaking Him and serving the Baals and the Ashtoreths, the male and female false gods worshiped by the Canaanites. They begged Him to rescue them from their enemies and promised to serve Him (12:10). Judges records such a cry (Judges 10:10), and Judges also shows that the LORD had compassion on His groaning people and raised up deliverers for them (Judges 2:18).
- 1 Samuel 12:10 (BSB)“Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’”The fathers confess that they forsook the LORD for the Baals and Ashtoreths.
- Judges 10:10 (BSB)“Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.””Judges records Israel confessing that they had forsaken God and served the Baals.
- Judges 2:18 (BSB)“Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.”The LORD was moved to pity by Israel’s groaning and saved them through judges.
Theological
According to Samuel, what confession did the oppressed generations make when they cried to the LORD (1 Samuel 12:10)?
Answer: They had left Him for the Baals
The fathers’ cry includes explicit confession: they had sinned in forsaking the LORD for the Baals and the Ashtoreths, the Canaanite deities, and they pleaded for deliverance with a pledge to serve Him (12:10). Judges 10:10 records such a confession, and Judges 2:18 shows the LORD’s compassion in raising up deliverers in response.
- 1 Samuel 12:10 (BSB)“Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’”The fathers confess that they forsook the LORD for the Baals and Ashtoreths.
- Judges 10:10 (BSB)“Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.””Judges records Israel confessing that they had forsaken God and served the Baals.
- Judges 2:18 (BSB)“Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.”The LORD was moved to pity by Israel’s groaning and saved them through judges.
General
In his review of Israel’s history, what does Samuel say the LORD did when their fathers forgot Him (1 Samuel 12:9)?
Answer: He handed them over to enemies like Sisera
Samuel reminded the people of the LORD’s righteous acts. When their ancestors cried out in Egypt, the LORD sent Moses and Aaron to lead them out and settle them in the land (12:6-8). But when they forgot Him, He gave them over to their enemies: to Sisera, the army commander of the king of Hazor, to the Philistines, and to Moab’s king (12:9). The book of Judges tells each story (Judges 4:2; 3:12; 13:1). Samuel says plainly that the LORD Himself handed them over; their suffering was His just discipline for forsaking Him.
- 1 Samuel 12:8 (BSB)“When Jacob went to Egypt, your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He sent them Moses and Aaron, who brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.”Samuel recalls how the LORD sent Moses and Aaron to bring the fathers out of Egypt.
- 1 Samuel 12:9 (BSB)“But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them into the hand of Sisera the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them.”When the fathers forgot the LORD, He gave them into the hands of their enemies.
- Judges 4:2 (BSB)“So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his forces was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim.”The LORD sold Israel into the hand of Jabin of Hazor, whose commander was Sisera.
- Judges 3:12 (BSB)“Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. So He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.”The LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel because of their evil.
- Judges 13:1 (BSB)“Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.”The LORD delivered Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
Theological
According to Samuel’s recital of the LORD’s righteous acts, how did God respond when the fathers forgot Him (1 Samuel 12:9)?
Answer: He handed them over to enemies like Sisera
Samuel rehearses the LORD’s righteous acts: the sending of Moses and Aaron, the exodus, and the settlement (12:6-8). When the fathers forgot the LORD, He gave them into the power of Sisera, Hazor’s commander, of the Philistines, and of Moab’s king (12:9), as Judges records (Judges 4:2; 3:12; 13:1). The oppressions are attributed directly to God’s just judgment on covenant unfaithfulness.
- 1 Samuel 12:8 (BSB)“When Jacob went to Egypt, your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He sent them Moses and Aaron, who brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.”Samuel recalls how the LORD sent Moses and Aaron to bring the fathers out of Egypt.
- 1 Samuel 12:9 (BSB)“But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them into the hand of Sisera the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them.”When the fathers forgot the LORD, He gave them into the hands of their enemies.
- Judges 4:2 (BSB)“So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his forces was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim.”The LORD sold Israel into the hand of Jabin of Hazor, whose commander was Sisera.
- Judges 3:12 (BSB)“Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. So He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.”The LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel because of their evil.
- Judges 13:1 (BSB)“Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.”The LORD delivered Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
General
What did Samuel say was needed for things to go well for both the people and their new king (1 Samuel 12:14)?
Answer: That they and the king follow and obey the LORD
Having a king did not change Israel’s duty to God. If the people and their king feared the LORD, served Him, obeyed His voice, and did not rebel, all would be well; but if they disobeyed and rebelled, the LORD would turn against them as He had against their fathers (12:14-15). These are the same terms Moses set before Israel: blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:1, 15). The law of the king had said the same of Israel’s rulers (Deuteronomy 17:20).
- 1 Samuel 12:14 (BSB)“If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well.”Samuel says all will be well if the people and king follow the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 12:15 (BSB)“But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.”If they rebel, the LORD will be against them as He was against their fathers.
- Deuteronomy 28:1 (BSB)““Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”Moses promised blessing to Israel for obeying the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 28:15 (BSB)“If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:”Moses warned of curses for disobeying the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 17:20 (BSB)“Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel.”Keeping the commandment would let the king and his sons reign many years.
Theological
On what condition does Samuel say the people and their king will prosper (1 Samuel 12:14-15)?
Answer: That they and the king follow and obey the LORD
The monarchy does not alter the covenant’s terms. Blessing depends on people and king alike fearing, serving, and obeying the LORD; rebellion will bring His hand against them as against their fathers (12:14-15). Samuel restates the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28:1, 15 and the law of the king, whose long reign was tied to keeping the commandment (Deuteronomy 17:20).
- 1 Samuel 12:14 (BSB)“If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well.”Samuel says all will be well if the people and king follow the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 12:15 (BSB)“But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.”If they rebel, the LORD will be against them as He was against their fathers.
- Deuteronomy 28:1 (BSB)““Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”Moses promised blessing to Israel for obeying the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 28:15 (BSB)“If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:”Moses warned of curses for disobeying the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 17:20 (BSB)“Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel.”Keeping the commandment would let the king and his sons reign many years.
General
According to Samuel’s farewell speech, what threat led the people to insist on having a king (1 Samuel 12:12)?
Answer: Nahash the Ammonite moving against them
Samuel says that when the people saw Nahash, the Ammonite king, coming against them, they insisted on having a king, when in fact their God was already their King (12:12). That is the heart of Samuel’s charge, the same one the LORD had made when the people first asked (8:7) and again at Mizpah (10:19). Yet Samuel adds that the LORD had now set the king they asked for over them (12:13). Even in giving them what they wrongly demanded, God remained in control.
- 1 Samuel 12:12 (BSB)“But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.”Samuel says the people demanded a king when Nahash threatened, though the LORD was their king.
- 1 Samuel 12:13 (BSB)“Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.”Samuel presents the king they asked for, whom the LORD has set over them.
- 1 Samuel 8:7 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.”The LORD had said the people were rejecting Him as their king.
- 1 Samuel 10:19 (BSB)“But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.””At Mizpah the LORD said their demand for a king was a rejection of Him.
Theological
What occasion does Samuel identify for Israel’s insistence on a king, when God was already their King (1 Samuel 12:12)?
Answer: Nahash the Ammonite moving against them
Samuel locates the demand for a king in the Ammonite threat under Nahash and sets it against the decisive fact that the LORD was already their King (12:12), the charge made in 8:7 and 10:19. Yet the LORD Himself has placed the requested king over them (12:13): God sovereignly grants the request even while naming it as sin.
- 1 Samuel 12:12 (BSB)“But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.”Samuel says the people demanded a king when Nahash threatened, though the LORD was their king.
- 1 Samuel 12:13 (BSB)“Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.”Samuel presents the king they asked for, whom the LORD has set over them.
- 1 Samuel 8:7 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.”The LORD had said the people were rejecting Him as their king.
- 1 Samuel 10:19 (BSB)“But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.””At Mizpah the LORD said their demand for a king was a rejection of Him.
General
According to Samuel, why would the LORD not cast off His people despite their sin (1 Samuel 12:22)?
Answer: For His great name, and because He chose them
Samuel grounded Israel’s security in God, not in the people. God would not desert His people, for His great name’s sake, that is, His own glory and reputation, and because He had been pleased to make them His own (12:22). Moses had taught that God chose Israel not because they were many but because He loved them and kept His oath to their fathers (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). This is election: God’s free choice of a people for Himself. A psalm promises that God will never forsake His people (Psalm 94:14), the prophets say God acts for His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22), and Paul declares that God has not rejected the people He foreknew (Romans 11:2). God’s commitment to keep His people is sure. Samuel still called them to serve God faithfully (12:24-25), since God’s faithfulness gives His people every reason to follow Him.
- 1 Samuel 12:22 (BSB)“Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.”Samuel assures Israel that the LORD will not abandon His people for His name’s sake.
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (BSB)“The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”God chose Israel because He loved them, not because of anything in them.
- Psalm 94:14 (BSB)“For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage.”The LORD will never forsake or abandon His people.
- Ezekiel 36:22 (BSB)“Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went.”God acts for the sake of His holy name, not because of Israel’s worthiness.
- Romans 11:2 (BSB)“God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel:”Paul affirms that God has not rejected the people He foreknew.
Theological
On what grounds does Samuel assure Israel that God will not cast off His people (1 Samuel 12:22)?
Answer: For His great name, and because He chose them
Samuel grounds Israel’s security entirely in God: He will not cast off His people, for His great name’s sake, because it pleased Him to make them His own (12:22). The basis is God’s sovereign, unconditional choice, as Deuteronomy 7:7-8 teaches, not Israel’s merit, and its goal is God’s glory (Ezekiel 36:22). The same assurance appears in Psalm 94:14 and in Paul’s insistence that God has not rejected the people He foreknew (Romans 11:2). God’s preservation of His people is certain, and it stands alongside, not against, the call to faithful service (12:24-25).
- 1 Samuel 12:22 (BSB)“Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.”Samuel assures Israel that the LORD will not abandon His people for His name’s sake.
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (BSB)“The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”God chose Israel because He loved them, not because of anything in them.
- Psalm 94:14 (BSB)“For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage.”The LORD will never forsake or abandon His people.
- Ezekiel 36:22 (BSB)“Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went.”God acts for the sake of His holy name, not because of Israel’s worthiness.
- Romans 11:2 (BSB)“God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel:”Paul affirms that God has not rejected the people He foreknew.
General
With the LORD and the new king as witnesses, what did Samuel invite the people to testify about (1 Samuel 12:3)?
Answer: Whether he had ever cheated or taken from them
Samuel presented the new king and himself, now old and gray, who had led them since his youth (12:1-2). Then he invited anyone to accuse him in the presence of God and of His anointed, the king God had set apart with oil: had he taken anyone’s ox or donkey, cheated or oppressed anyone, or taken a bribe to look the other way? He promised to repay anything wrongly taken (12:3). The people answered that he had done none of these things, and Samuel called the LORD and the king as witnesses to their answer (12:4-5). His record matched that of Moses, who could say he had taken nothing from the people (Numbers 16:15), and kept the law against bribes (Deuteronomy 16:19), unlike his own sons, who took bribes (8:3).
- 1 Samuel 12:3 (BSB)“Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.””Samuel invites the people to testify whether he has wronged anyone.
- 1 Samuel 12:4 (BSB)““You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.””The people declare that Samuel has not cheated, oppressed, or taken from anyone.
- Numbers 16:15 (BSB)“Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.””Moses likewise insisted he had not taken a single donkey from the people.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 (BSB)“Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”The law forbade judges to accept bribes.
- 1 Samuel 8:3 (BSB)“But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.”Samuel’s sons, by contrast, took bribes and perverted justice.
Theological
In his farewell address, what did Samuel call on Israel to bear witness about in the presence of God and His anointed king (1 Samuel 12:3)?
Answer: Whether he had ever cheated or taken from them
Samuel’s farewell opens with a public vindication of his office. In the presence of the LORD and His anointed king he invites any charge of seizing property, fraud, oppression, or bribery, offering restitution (12:3); the people clear him, and the LORD and the king are named as witnesses (12:4-5). His integrity echoes Moses’ protest that he had taken nothing (Numbers 16:15) and fulfills the law’s prohibition of bribes (Deuteronomy 16:19), in pointed contrast to his sons (8:3).
- 1 Samuel 12:3 (BSB)“Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.””Samuel invites the people to testify whether he has wronged anyone.
- 1 Samuel 12:4 (BSB)““You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.””The people declare that Samuel has not cheated, oppressed, or taken from anyone.
- Numbers 16:15 (BSB)“Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.””Moses likewise insisted he had not taken a single donkey from the people.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 (BSB)“Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”The law forbade judges to accept bribes.
- 1 Samuel 8:3 (BSB)“But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.”Samuel’s sons, by contrast, took bribes and perverted justice.
General
Why did Samuel ask God for a storm during the wheat harvest (1 Samuel 12:17)?
Answer: To show how great an evil their request had been
Samuel told the people to watch the great thing the LORD would do. During the wheat harvest, when rain was out of season (compare Proverbs 26:1), he would ask the LORD for a thunderstorm, and by it they would recognize how great an evil their demand for a king had been (12:16-17). Samuel prayed, and that same day the storm came. The people were filled with fear of the LORD and of Samuel, begged him to pray for them so they would not die, and confessed that their demand for a king had added to all their sins (12:18-19). In Moses’ day, too, God had answered His prophet with thunder (Exodus 9:23).
- 1 Samuel 12:17 (BSB)“Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.””Samuel says he will call for thunder and rain so the people will see the evil of asking for a king.
- 1 Samuel 12:18 (BSB)“So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.”The LORD sends thunder and rain that day, and the people fear the LORD and Samuel.
- 1 Samuel 12:19 (BSB)“They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.””The people ask Samuel to pray for them and confess their sin.
- Proverbs 26:1 (BSB)“Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool.”Rain at harvest is described as something out of place.
- Exodus 9:23 (BSB)“So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt.”The LORD sent thunder in answer to Moses, His prophet.
Theological
What purpose did Samuel give for the sign of thunder and rain during the wheat harvest (1 Samuel 12:16-17)?
Answer: To show how great an evil their request had been
Samuel announces a sign: thunder and rain at the wheat harvest, an unseasonable event (compare Proverbs 26:1), to bring home the magnitude of the evil in requesting a king (12:16-17). The LORD answers His prophet that day (12:18), as He answered Moses with thunder in Egypt (Exodus 9:23). The people respond with fear, a plea for intercession, and confession that the request had been added to all their sins (12:19).
- 1 Samuel 12:17 (BSB)“Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.””Samuel says he will call for thunder and rain so the people will see the evil of asking for a king.
- 1 Samuel 12:18 (BSB)“So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.”The LORD sends thunder and rain that day, and the people fear the LORD and Samuel.
- 1 Samuel 12:19 (BSB)“They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.””The people ask Samuel to pray for them and confess their sin.
- Proverbs 26:1 (BSB)“Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool.”Rain at harvest is described as something out of place.
- Exodus 9:23 (BSB)“So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt.”The LORD sent thunder in answer to Moses, His prophet.