Sake. This motive often proved the salvation of Israel, Exodus xxxii. 12. The Scriptures wholly tend to impress upon our minds, a sense of our own weakness, and of God's infinite glory and perfection. (Calmet) --- We may all say, "Our hope to rise is all from Thee---our ruin's all our own." (Austin.[St. Augustine?]) read more
16-25 At Samuel's word, God sent thunder and rain, at a season of the year when, in that country, the like was not seen. This was to convince them they had done wickedly in asking a king; not only by its coming at an unusual time, in wheat harvest, and on a clear day, but by the prophet's giving notice of it before. He showed their folly in desiring a king to save them, rather than God, or Samuel; promising themselves more from an arm of flesh, than from the arm of God, or from the power of... read more
Samuel Admonishes the People to Steadfastness v. 16. Now, therefore, stand and see this great thing, a miracle in confirmation of Samuel's reproof and admonition, which the Lord will do before your eyes. This they were to experience at once, even now. v. 17. Is it not wheat-harvest today, the season at which rain was most unusual? I will call unto the Lord, and He shall send thunder and rain, that ye may perceive and see, by this sign, so distinctly at variance with the ordinary weather in... read more
II. Samuel’s solemn concluding Transaction with the Assembly of the People at Gilgal1 Samuel 12:1-251And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold I have hearkened unto your voice in 2all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. And now, behold, the king walketh before you, and I am old and gray-headed,1 and behold, my sons [my sons, behold, they] are with you, and I have walked before you from my 3childhood unto this day. Behold, here I am. Witness against me before the Lord [Jehovah]... read more
1 Samuel OLD TRUTH FOR A NEW EPOCH 1Sa_12:13 - 1Sa_12:25 . Samuel’s office as judge necessarily ended when Saul was made king, but his office of prophet continued. This chapter deals with both the cessation and the continuance, giving at first his dignified, and somewhat pained, vindication of his integrity, and then passing on to show him exercising his prophetic function in exhortation, miracle, and authoritative declaration of Jehovah’s will. I. The first point is the sign which Samuel... read more
His Warning Confirmed from Heaven 1 Samuel 12:14-25 Having handed his office over to Saul, who henceforth was to shepherd and lead the Chosen People, Samuel assured them that the Lord would not forsake them, “for his great name’s sake,” 1 Samuel 12:22 . Oh, take these words to heart, and let them linger like a strain of sweet music in your memory! You may have missed the mark, lost your way, and drifted from the ancient moorings, but the love of God has not forsaken you. Being disappointed,... read more
At the confirmation of the king appointed by God by the consent of the nation, Samuel delivered what was practically his last address to them. It was of the nature of a farewell message, in which was there a touch of pathos in his speaking of his past relation with the people. He first challenged them as to his conduct during the period in which he had walked before them, and then proceeded solemnly to warn them, in view of the new departure in their history now taking place. In a rapid... read more
Samuel Promises Them That He Will Not Forget His Responsibility Towards Them as Their Prophet, Assures Them That He will Pray For Them And Continue To Teach Them The Right Way, And Warns Them Again Of The Necessity Of Being Faithful To YHWH (1 Samuel 12:20-25 ). While they are in this state of remorse Samuel takes the opportunity to stress what they must do in the future. He assures them that he will not fail in his responsibilities of praying for them and teaching them in the future, and in... read more
1 Samuel 12. Samuel’ s Farewell.— From the Deuteronomic document, where it separated the two clauses of 1 Samuel 10:25, which see. 1 Samuel 12:1-Joshua : a (to “ witness” ). In response to a solemn adjuration from Samuel, the people agree that his administration has been pure. 1 Samuel 12:3 . to blind mine eyes therewith: LXX “ even a pair of shoes? Answer against me, and I will, etc.” ( mg.) . 1 Samuel 12:6 a – 1 Samuel 12:11 . Samuel briefly reviews the history of Israel, showing the... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:20-25
(20) And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; (21) And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. (22) For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. (23) Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing... read more