Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 12

Verses 1-25

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 survey of that history he reminded them of two things; first, the consistent faithfulness of God; and, second, their constant failure. The incident is full of dramatic force as Samuel, in the presence of Saul, charged people with having sinned, in that they had sought a king; and it is the more remarkable because he so spoke to them as to bring home a consciousness of wrong.

However, the thing was done, and he now charged them still to serve and follow Jehovah, and promised tenderly that he would continue to pray for them and instruct them in the right way. His final word was to warn them that if they continued in their waywardness their king would not be able to save them.

It is evident how clear Samuel's vision was of the fundamental truth concerning the people-that they were, and could be, great only as they remained a people governed by God and obedient to Him.