September 2, 2021
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 12 (NIV)
Samuel’s Farewell Speech
1 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. 2 Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”.........Continue Reading
Samuel says goodbye while still guiding the Israelites in God’s ways. He reminds them of all He has done for them as well as the repercussions that happened when they disobeyed God.
Samuel was a faithful servant of God and can walk away knowing that but desired that for God’s people as well. His reminder that they do not need a king but that God is their king and even though he knew it was not God’s plan He still provided that for His people and Samuel reminds them of that as well.
1 Samuel 11-12
1 Samuel 11-12
What a fitting farewell that Samuel gives the people. He had served them and God for the majority of his life, and in honorable fashion he makes sure first that he has not wronged anyone or taken advantage of them. He then reminds them of all the ways God has provided and protected them. It is interesting that he mentions Jacob, Moses and Egypt but quickly jumps to the victories provided by his fellow judges. He then makes clear that their obedience will bring blessing and their disobedience will bring hardship. And part of their disobedience was asking for a king. They understand the issue and apologize for it, but Samuel just reenforces now that they have one, they should make sure that they continue to follow God or they and their king will be swept away….
Even though they asked for a king, Samuel still encourages them to follow the Lord. This made me think of all the people we look to for leadership instead of consulting the Lord. Even though God establishes kings and leaders, we cannot trust in them, we must remember the Lord.
“And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.”