1 Samuel 12
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel 12
A reminder of the context of 1 Samuel 12: for many years, Israel had been led by various judges. The people repeatedly expressed their desire for a king to rule over them, even though God repeatedly expressed that because he was their king, they had no need for a king. They wanted a king to be like the other nations that surrounded them.
God eventually grants their request at the end of chapter 8, and Saul is appointed king in chapter 9.
The proceeding chapters detail the new reign of Saul as king. In chapter 12, we come to a section where it seems like Samuel has officially transitioned from official positional leadership of the people of Israel, but what we will see is that Samuel retains his authority and influence as the prophet of God.
What does Samuel say in this transitional speech? Some highlights and takeaways:
Even in the midst of the sin and evil of the people of Israel, what is brought to the surface is the infinite grace given to us by God.
The right response to God’s grace is to fear God and serve him with all of our hearts.
This was true for the people of Israel, but it’s also true for you and I as well.
Written By: Graham Withers
A reminder of the context of 1 Samuel 12: for many years, Israel had been led by various judges. The people repeatedly expressed their desire for a king to rule over them, even though God repeatedly expressed that because he was their king, they had no need for a king. They wanted a king to be like the other nations that surrounded them.
God eventually grants their request at the end of chapter 8, and Saul is appointed king in chapter 9.
The proceeding chapters detail the new reign of Saul as king. In chapter 12, we come to a section where it seems like Samuel has officially transitioned from official positional leadership of the people of Israel, but what we will see is that Samuel retains his authority and influence as the prophet of God.
What does Samuel say in this transitional speech? Some highlights and takeaways:
14 If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. 15 But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king.
19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. 22 For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
The right response to God’s grace is to fear God and serve him with all of our hearts.
This was true for the people of Israel, but it’s also true for you and I as well.
Written By: Graham Withers
No Comments