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1 Samuel 12:23
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
God forbid that I should sin - They had earnestly begged him, Sa1 12:19, to pray to God for them, that they might not die; and he tells them that he should consider himself a sinner, should he cease to be their intercessor. But I will teach you the good and the right way - I will show you, as long as I am with you, what true religion is; it is the way to happiness and heaven. It is right - there is no crookedness in it; it is good - there is no evil in it.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Samuel then promised the people his constant intercession: "Far be it from me to sin against the Lord, that I should cease to pray for you, and to instruct you in the good and right way," i.e., to work as prophet for your good. "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).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Moreover, as for me,.... As he had given them reason to believe that God would forgive their sin, by which they had offended him, rejecting him as their King, so he likewise forgave their offence against him in rejecting him as their governor under him, and so neither need fear the Lord nor him with a servile fear; and as God would still be gracious to them, if they abode by his service, so he, Samuel, would do all the good offices for them that lay in his power: God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you; for since they had returned to the Lord, and acknowledged their sin, it would have been an evil in him not to pray for them, that they might share in the pardoning grace and mercy of God, and have all good things bestowed upon them they stood in need of; this he judged to be his duty to do, and therefore abhorred the thought of being indifferent to it, negligent of it, or of dropping it: but I will teach you the good and the right way; would not only pray for them, but instruct them in the way of their duty; a way that was a good one, agreeable to the will and word of God, and in walking in which good things were enjoyed, and which being a good way, must needs be a right way; though Samuel ceased to be a judge and chief magistrate among them, he should not cease to act the part of a prophet to them, both by his prayers and by his instructions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:23 I will continue to teach you: Samuel was both intercessor and educator. • Although this address marked the end of Samuel’s political leadership, he continued his spiritual ministry for some time (e.g., 19:24).
1 Samuel 12:23
Samuel’s Farewell Address
22Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.23As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Sin of Prayerlessness
By Raymond Beasley7751:08:56Prayer1SA 12:23PSA 119:105ISA 55:11DAN 6:11MAT 6:332TI 4:2HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the audience's attention and asks how many couples are present. He emphasizes the need for a strong anchor in the face of life's challenges and suggests that prayer may have been replaced by other forms of worship. The preacher acknowledges that while the congregation is not backslidden, there is room for improvement in their relationship with God. He then references a powerful service where conviction was felt and encourages those who do not know God to repent and be baptized. The sermon concludes with a reminder that prayerlessness is a sin and that the preacher is committed to praying for the congregation.
Prayer
By Hugh Morrison63044:251SA 12:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16LUK 6:12ACT 6:4PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving attention to prayer in ministry, highlighting the example of the early church in Acts chapter 6. It challenges listeners to adjust their thinking, priorities, and whole life to prioritize prayer, as it is commanded by God, leads to communion with Him, and results in the greatest good being done. The sermon calls for repentance, determination, and a set focus on prayer as God's way for effective ministry.
Ebenezer - Part 2
By Ric Vargas5223:31FullnessSpiritual WarfareSpiritual Maturity1SA 7:121SA 12:23ROM 12:12CO 10:3EPH 6:12COL 2:15HEB 10:23JAS 4:71PE 5:6REV 12:11Ric Vargas emphasizes the journey of spiritual development and maturity, using the concept of Ebenezer as a reminder that God can lead us from a place of struggle to a place of establishment in Him. He highlights the life of Samuel, a man of prayer and integrity, whose relationship with God allowed him to keep the enemy at bay and serve as a dwelling place for God's presence. Vargas calls for believers to embody brokenness, submission, and integrity, as these qualities are essential for spiritual warfare and victory over darkness. He stresses that true victory comes from a life fully surrendered to God, reflecting the ultimate triumph of Christ at Calvary. The sermon challenges listeners to cultivate a deep relationship with God to maintain spiritual authority and keep the enemy from reclaiming ground in their lives.
The Sin of Not Praying for Others
By J.R. Miller2Intercessory PrayerDuty of Love1SA 12:23MAT 7:7LUK 6:28EPH 6:18PHP 1:3COL 1:91TH 5:171TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical duty of praying for others, illustrating that neglecting this responsibility is a sin against God. He reflects on Samuel's commitment to intercede for the people who had wronged him, highlighting that true love and friendship require us to pray for even those who have hurt us. Miller warns against the dangers of selfishness in prayer and the temptation to cease praying due to delayed answers or perceived unworthiness of others. He encourages believers to recognize the spiritual needs of those around them and to persist in prayer, as it is through intercession that God's blessings are often bestowed. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the importance of prayer in fostering genuine love and support for one another.
Spiritual Confirmation
By A.W. Tozer01SA 12:23PSA 139:23MAT 5:23ACT 23:1ROM 2:15ROM 9:21CO 8:72CO 1:121TI 1:52TI 1:3TIT 1:15HEB 9:91PE 2:19Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes the significance of conscience, describing it as a 'knowing with' oneself, a witness to one's conduct based on the apprehension of God's will. He highlights the importance of maintaining a clear conscience, not necessarily free from sin, but habitually seeking to obey and please God, facing acts of sin before Him. Paul's prayers for Timothy day and night serve as a powerful example of intercession and encouragement in times of challenge and spiritual warfare.
Prayer--Its Possibilities (Continued) 1
By E.M. Bounds0The Power of PrayerThe Necessity of Prayer1SA 12:232CH 7:14PSA 34:17JER 33:3MAT 7:7LUK 18:1PHP 4:6HEB 4:16JAS 5:161JN 5:14E.M. Bounds emphasizes the immense possibilities of prayer, illustrating its necessity and power through biblical examples, particularly the prayers of Solomon, Samuel, and Jacob. He asserts that prayer is essential to human existence, rooted in our needs and instincts, and that it serves as a universal remedy for all troubles. Bounds highlights that God is always ready to respond to heartfelt prayers, regardless of the circumstances, and that true prayer can bring about miraculous changes. He encourages believers to recognize the boundless potential of prayer, which is linked to God's infinite power and integrity. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to prayer, showcasing its transformative effects on individuals and nations.
Prayer
By W.H. Griffith Thomas01SA 12:23PSA 42:1PSA 55:17MRK 1:35LUK 6:12ACT 6:4ROM 8:26ROM 12:12EPH 6:18HEB 7:25W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of prayer as the pure atmosphere necessary for a healthy spiritual life, just like food is essential for the body. He delves into the concept of continuance in prayer, highlighting that it goes beyond mere words, focusing on the soul's submission, desire, trust, and fellowship with God. Thomas explains how continuance in prayer makes God's presence, power, will, and service evident in the believer's life, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and readiness for His work.
Loving Our Neighbor on Our Knees
By Mary Wilder Tileston01SA 12:23EPH 6:18COL 4:21TI 2:1JAS 5:16Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Alfred Tennyson and Elizabeth Rundle Charles, emphasizes the profound impact of intercessory prayer in serving and helping others. She highlights the power of prayer to reach hearts, protect, teach, and comfort those we care about, acting as a ministry akin to that of an angel. Intercessory prayer is described as a way of loving our neighbors while on our knees, binding the earth to God through golden chains of prayer.
Commentary Notes - I Samuel
By Walter Beuttler01SA 12:231SA 15:221SA 16:71SA 28:61SA 31:13Walter Beuttler preaches on the Book of I Samuel, highlighting the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy through the rise and fall of King Saul. The key theme of the book is prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will and intervention. The message reveals the absolute sovereignty of God and the consequences of rejecting His kingship over one's life, showcasing the intertwined relationship between human actions and God's ultimate purpose.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
God forbid that I should sin - They had earnestly begged him, Sa1 12:19, to pray to God for them, that they might not die; and he tells them that he should consider himself a sinner, should he cease to be their intercessor. But I will teach you the good and the right way - I will show you, as long as I am with you, what true religion is; it is the way to happiness and heaven. It is right - there is no crookedness in it; it is good - there is no evil in it.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Samuel then promised the people his constant intercession: "Far be it from me to sin against the Lord, that I should cease to pray for you, and to instruct you in the good and right way," i.e., to work as prophet for your good. "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).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Moreover, as for me,.... As he had given them reason to believe that God would forgive their sin, by which they had offended him, rejecting him as their King, so he likewise forgave their offence against him in rejecting him as their governor under him, and so neither need fear the Lord nor him with a servile fear; and as God would still be gracious to them, if they abode by his service, so he, Samuel, would do all the good offices for them that lay in his power: God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you; for since they had returned to the Lord, and acknowledged their sin, it would have been an evil in him not to pray for them, that they might share in the pardoning grace and mercy of God, and have all good things bestowed upon them they stood in need of; this he judged to be his duty to do, and therefore abhorred the thought of being indifferent to it, negligent of it, or of dropping it: but I will teach you the good and the right way; would not only pray for them, but instruct them in the way of their duty; a way that was a good one, agreeable to the will and word of God, and in walking in which good things were enjoyed, and which being a good way, must needs be a right way; though Samuel ceased to be a judge and chief magistrate among them, he should not cease to act the part of a prophet to them, both by his prayers and by his instructions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:23 I will continue to teach you: Samuel was both intercessor and educator. • Although this address marked the end of Samuel’s political leadership, he continued his spiritual ministry for some time (e.g., 19:24).