1 Samuel 12:23

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

Samuel resigns his JudgeshipThis chapter is a continuation of 1 Samuel 10:17-24, and the scene of the events recorded is the great national assembly at Mizpeh. Notice, however, the reference to Nahash (1 Samuel 11) in 1 Samuel 10:12.2. My sons] cp. 1 Samuel 8:1-5. 3. His anointed] i.e. Saul the anointed king. This becomes the regular title of the king: cp. 1 Samuel 24:6-10; 1 Samuel 26:9-11, etc. The word is identical with ’Messiah’ or (in its Gk. form) ’Christ.’6. It is the Lord] LXX reads’... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 12:23

(23) Moreover, as for me.—“In this he sets a glorious example to all rulers, showing them that they should not be led astray by the ingratitude of their subordinates or subjects; and give up on that account all interest in their welfare, but should rather persevere all the more in their anxiety for them.”—Berleb. Bible, quoted in Lange. Moses and Samuel, wrote S. Gregory, are especially brought forward by the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:1) as having extraordinary power with Him, and why?... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

Samuel's Dismissal 1 Samuel 12:12-15 Some one has said, 'In addition to other graces a good man ought to pray for is the grace to resign his office when his work is done'. Samuel was the last of the judges and prophets. He had ruled with conspicuous ability, justice, success. Under his control, it is true, the people had suffered from the attacks of the neighbouring tribes, but defeat had not been due to Samuel's holding the rein of government. I. Samuel himself might be good, righteous, just,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:6-25

CHAPTER XVII.SAMUEL’S DEALINGS WITH THE PEOPLE.1 Samuel 12:6-25.2. HAVING vindicated himself (in the first five verses of this chapter, 1 Samuel 12:1-5), Samuel now proceeds to his second point, and takes the people in hand. But before proceeding to close quarters with them, he gives a brief review of the history of the nation, in order to bring out the precise relation in which they stood to God, and the duty resulting from that relation (1 Samuel 12:6-12 vers.). First, he brings out the... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

5. Samuel’s Witness and Warning CHAPTER 12 1. His witness to his own integrity (1 Samuel 12:1-5 ) 2. His warning (1 Samuel 12:6-15 ) 3. Heaven’s answer (1 Samuel 12:16-19 ) 4. His words of comfort (1 Samuel 12:20-25 ) What a scene! The man of God, the man of prayer, now advanced in years, stands before them. “I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.” Here was not a Nazarite who had failed like Samson, but one who had lived out his Nazariteship in the fullest sense of... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

This chapter intervenes in the history as a solemn reproof to Israel and a warning of the dangers to which they had exposed themselves by asking for a king The voice of the prophet is not to be put in the background because the people have a king, Samuel brings to Israel's attention some plain facts, the significance of which they ought to seriously consider. They had been given their way, with a king established over them, Now he had become old. He invites their criticism. Had he used the... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

SAUL CONFIRMED AS KING THE PEASANT BECOMES A PRINCE There was one verse in the last lesson (1 Samuel 10:6 ) we should think of more fully. When Samuel said the Spirit of the Lord would come upon Saul and he would be turned into another man, it is not necessary to suppose it meant his regeneration. There is a question as to whether Saul ever was regenerated, for his life-story would not lead us to believe he was. The Spirit of the Lord coming on a man is one thing, and the Spirit of Lord... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Samuel 12:1-25

Samuel's Defence 1 Samuel 12:0 IT would seem that a fitting time had now come for Samuel's retirement from his great position. We are all conscious of the fitness of certain historical occasions, so much so that we can adopt the duties which they suggest with a sense of harmony and rectitude. After the splendid victory acquired by Saul it would seem as if the dispensation of Samuel must naturally close. Blessed is he who can say, "He must increase, but I must decrease;" and still more blessed... read more

Robert Hawker

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

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:23

The Lord. For a pastor to neglect instruction, is not only detrimental to the people, but injurious to God. (Haydock) --- Way. None contributed more than Samuel to keep the people within due bounds, during the reign of Saul. (Calmet) read more