Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

12:1-25 The reaffirmation of Saul’s kingship at Gilgal (11:12-15) was the final step in his installation as king. The event was a fitting occasion for Samuel’s farewell address as leader of Israel.

Verse 3

12:3 God’s anointed one was Saul (see 9:16). • Whose ox or donkey: Cp. Num 16:15. • have I stolen? In contrast to the behavior of kings (1 Sam 8:11-16). • Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? No, but Samuel’s sons did (8:3).

Verse 5

12:5 my hands are clean: Samuel’s life and leadership before Israel had been above reproach (cp. 1 Cor 9:1-14; 2 Cor 7:2; 11:7-9; 1 Thes 2:1-12). Saul, David, and Solomon—kings rather than prophetic judges—would not be able to make this claim.

Verse 6

12:6-25 In 12:1-5, Samuel put himself on trial and was found innocent. In 12:6-25, he put the nation on trial and found it guilty.

12:6 Moses and Aaron were not self-made leaders but were appointed by God as leaders.

Verse 9

12:9 handed them over: See Judg 3:8; 4:1-3. • the king of Moab: See Judg 3:12. Not all of Israel’s enemies in the era of the judges are listed (e.g., the Ammonites and Midianites). This list is representative to emphasize the highs and lows of that era.

Verse 10

12:10 Then they cried to the Lord: Sometimes only suffering turns people’s hearts toward God. During the period of the judges, Israel repeatedly went through cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and rescue. • Baal and Ashtoreth: When people turn away from God, they inevitably turn to idols (see 7:3; Judg 2:13; 10:6). • An attitude such as if you will rescue us turns worship into a debased bargain, in which God must perform some action to a person’s liking. God deserves obedience and worship because he is God, not because of favors he can perform.

Verse 11

12:11 As in 12:9, this list of leaders is representative. • Bedan: Greek and Syriac versions read Barak (see Judg 4:6-24; 5:1, 12, 15). The identity of this judge remains uncertain.

Verse 12

12:12 you were afraid of Nahash: Israel’s trouble with Nahash apparently preceded 11:1-11 (cp. 8:5, 20; 10:27).

Verse 13

12:13 Even though the Israelites’ request amounted to a rejection of God as king, the Lord . . . granted it (see study notes on 8:7 and 8:8).

Verse 14

12:14-15 To show that even under a monarchy Israel must still keep its covenant with the Lord—who was always to be their true king—Samuel echoed language from the Sinai covenant (e.g., Exod 19:5-6; Lev 26; Deut 30:11-20).

12:14 Worship is meaningless if it does not result in obedience.

Verse 17

12:17 The wheat harvest occurred in late spring or early summer, when little or no rain fell in Israel. Thunder and rain would thus demonstrate God’s power as a sign of the people’s wickedness in asking for a king.

Verse 18

12:18 terrified: Cp. Exod 19:16.

Verse 19

12:19 The people asked Samuel to intercede for them (see also 7:8) rather than praying themselves probably because they were out of fellowship with God (note the use of your God rather than “our God”). • added to our sins: The sins included idol worship (12:21; see study note on 8:8).

Verse 21

12:21 worthless . . . totally useless: Israel was slow to learn this lesson (e.g., Isa 40:18-26; 44:9-20).

Verse 22

12:22 because that would dishonor his great name: God will never contradict his own character and detract from his glory (see also Isa 37:35; 43:25; 48:9-11). Therefore, he always keeps his covenant promises, even if his people do not. • his very own people: Israel is God’s treasured possession (see Exod 19:5; Deut 9:25-29). He will never abandon them (see Rom 11:1-5, 25-32).

Verse 23

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).

Verse 25

12:25 swept away: David later used this same Hebrew verb for Saul’s death (26:10, “die . . . in battle”) and for his own possible death at Saul’s hands (27:1, “get me”). The warning would remain in force throughout Israel’s history as a monarchy.