First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Twelve

 

In Chapter Twelve, we observe Samuel's farewell address. Samuel was in the process of abdicating his office and responsibility as judge. With the coronation and general acceptance of Saul, the king would now assume the privileges and responsibilities of leadership. The arrival of the kingdom had made obsolete the need for the judges.

The first section of the chapter reveals the testimony of Samuel as to his own personal integrity. Samuel leaves speaking of himself, and testifies of God's integrity in history; secondly, he requests a sign from God to vindicate his testimony; thirdly, he prophesies of god's absolute integrity for the future.

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. SAMUEL TESTIFIES OF HIS PERSONAL INTEGRITY - (1-5)

II. SAMUEL TESTIFIES OF THE LORD'S CONCERN FOR ISRAEL, HIS BLESSINGS AND HIS JUDGMENTS - (6-15)
III. SAMUEL REQUESTS THE LORD TO TESTIFY AGAINST THE SINS OF ISRAEL - (16-19)
IV. SAMUEL ASKS ISRAEL TO "CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE." - (20-25)

 

I. SAMUEL TESTIFIES OF HIS PERSONAL INTEGRITY - (1-5)

Samuel was well acquainted with the temptations, sins and abuses of the ministry. He had observed the sons of Eli; he had watched his own boys wander away from the Lord. Samuel wanted it to go down on public record, that he had always attempted to do his very best. Often, it happens at a time of change in leadership, that the man leaving his position, for whatever the reason might be, falls victim to the critics and armchair quarterbacks. Oftentimes, the man assuming the leadership is not mature enough to place the critics in their place and avoid the temptation of joining them. The fastest route to personal human exaltation is taken by defaming someone else. The 'baton' of leadership changes hands. The wise leader quietly, patiently and with respect to the man who has, paved the way for him, whether good or bad, makes the necessary adjustments with little "to do." Samuel gave his critics, if there were any to be found, the opportunity to settle accounts openly and publicly. There are no "takers", there should be no further discussion.

The dissertation resembles that given by Paul to the Ephesian elders in (Acts 20:17-35).

Not only is Samuel trying to cover himself, but he is laying the groundwork for the rest of his farewell address. He is in effect saying, "you owe it to yourself to listen to my advice, for it is given in sincerity with your best interest at heart."

 

II. SAMUEL TESTIFIES OF THE LORD'S CONCERN FOR ISRAEL, HIS BLESSINGS AND HIS JUDGMENTS - (6-15)

Samuel presents a picture of an ideal pastor. First of all, he was blameless in character; secondly, he was gifted as a teacher and instructor; lastly, he was a man mighty in prayer. As the man of God prepares to step aside for the king, he takes the opportunity to remind the people of his position on spiritual things. He uses this as a springboard to preach his beliefs and convictions, lest there be any doubt where Samuel stood.

"...Stand still, that I may reason with you..." See (1 Sam. 9:27). Samuel wants Jewish history to be put in its proper perspective. "It is not what you have done that has brought us to this place today, it is what God has done!" Samuel then runs a brief history of God's dealings with His people. "...When they forget... he sold them..." A general history and portrait of mankind can be summed up simply in what could be termed, "The Law of Human Collapse." Read (Judg. 2:11-13; 1 Ki. 11:4-7; Jer. 44:17-19). Given enough rope, man will ultimately hang himself. In the spiritual realm, we call it the cycle of apostasy. Men, for the most part, express good intentions and exhibit proper motivation at the outset of any project. With man at the helm, he will ultimately destroy himself.

"...they cried...we have sinned ... deliver us... and we will serve thee." Why must God make the first move? Why don't you serve him and see if He, then, will deliver you? Everyone "has a deal" for God.

"...When the Lord your God was your King..."; see (Judg. 8:23).

In spite of their sin and error, the mercy of God shines through. God promises to overlook their sin and withhold the consequences if they will execute a new start. How often has the Lord given us, yet, another chance? When God gives you an opportunity to clear the slate ... you ought to take it! (1 Jn. 1:9).

 

III. SAMUEL REQUESTS THE LORD TO TESTIFY AGAINST THE SINS OF ISRAEL - (16-19)

In Chapter Ten, we briefly mentioned the importance of signs to Israel, (1 Cor. 1:22). The Jews are sign oriented. Samuel asks God to vindicate the message and ministry of His servant. "Now therefore stand and see this great thing..." (1 Sam. 9:27; 12:7). The wheat harvest called for good weather conditions. "Lord, show these folks that you're upset with the way they've handled the king situation." Crash, bang, boom!...the Lord says, "Amen!" Great fear falls upon the people as they are made aware of the Lord's displeasure. They do what they have done so often before, they ask Samuel to pray for them (1 Sam. 7:5). "The wages of sin is death...", they expected to die for their sin. "Samuel would you intervene on our behalf?" No matter how ungodly a man might be, he knows who has access to the throne room of God.

 

IV. SAMUEL ASKS ISRAEL TO "CONSIDER HOW GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE - (20-25)

There are but two plainly delineated choices a Christian can make in this life, "...serve the Lord with all your heart..." (vs. 20), or "... go after vain things, which cannot profit..." Service or vanity, which will it be? You cannot serve two masters. Paul said, "...Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present world..." We ought always to be careful, not to sink our roots too deeply here on this earth. For some, the Rapture, will be more like a rupture!

These vain things do not profit, and they do not "deliver." Deliverance, salvation, security, these are not found in things, they are the very nature of our God." "Jesus Saves!" "...for his great name's sake. See (Psa. 25: 11; 79:9; 106:8; 143:11). God has a name to protect. God has a good reputation, He's not an "indian-giver," He delivers! Note the story in (2 Sam. 9:1ff). Mephibosheth is treated kindly for Jonathan's sake. Our salvation is not totally wrought for our benefit, it is for God's benefit and His great name's sake.

The sin of prayerlessness shows our contempt for the Word of God. Samuel realized the horrible consequences in failing to pray for others. Prayerlessness exhibits an overall spiritual attitude. Failure to pray, tells God that we do not desire His fellowship and invites spiritual disaster.

Note the simple formula one must follow to be receptive to the "good and right way" of (vs. 23):

    [1]. "Fear the Lord..."

    [2]. "...serve him.."

    [3]. "...in truth..."

    [4]. "...with all your heart..."

    [5]. "...consider how great things he hath done for you.

"Count your many blessings, name them one by one..." There is no time for you to ponder your wants and needs, if you spend your time considering what God has done for you. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." - (Psa. 68:19)

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