1 Samuel 12

SAMUEL’S FAREWELL ADDRESS TO ISRAEL, 1 Samuel 12:1-25.

While the hearts of all the people are thus knit to their new king, and every tongue in Israel is eloquent with his praise, the venerable prophet and judge feels that the proper time has come for the public surrender of his office as ruler. For what more suitable occasion was likely to present itself than this joyful assembly of the people at Gilgal? Here the monarchy was newly confirmed to Saul, and henceforth all Israel would regard him as their leader and king. Samuel, indeed, as long as he lived, would be regarded with profoundest reverence by all, and his religious influence must needs be greater than that of any other man. So, too, as long as he was able to exercise judgment, there would be those who would, in matters of difficulty, prefer his counsels and judgment before all others. Accordingly, he “judged Israel all the days of his life.” 1 Samuel 7:15. But his years reminded him that he must shortly pass away. His long, flowing locks, over which no razor had ever passed, (1 Samuel 1:11,) were gray with age and cares. There must have been a mighty struggle in his bosom when he uttered this valedictory to the people whose interests had been the burden of his heart and prayers for so many years. The nation had now reached a new era in its historical development, and its future weal or woe depended on the people’s obedience to the commandments of God. This impressive truth the venerable prophet seeks, throughout his entire address, to fasten indelibly upon their minds.

The address consists of three parts. (1) Samuel’s self-vindication, 1-5. (2) A brief historical review of the theocracy from its beginning up to the time of Saul’s inauguration, 6-13. (3) Solemn exhortation to obedience, on the ground that this revolution in the government was offensive to Jehovah, to which, during an awful pause, (16-19,) a miraculous confirmation is given from the heavens, 14-25.