Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. Do not turn asideThis phrase is a call to steadfastness and faithfulness. In the Hebrew context, the verb "turn aside" (סוּר, sur) implies a deviation from a set path or course. Samuel, the prophet, is urging the Israelites to remain faithful to God and not deviate from His commandments. Historically, this reflects the period of the Judges, where Israel repeatedly turned away from God, leading to cycles of oppression and deliverance. The exhortation is timeless, reminding believers to remain focused on God and His ways, resisting the temptation to stray. after worthless things The term "worthless things" (הַתֹּהוּ, ha-tohu) in Hebrew can also be translated as "vain" or "empty." This word is often used to describe idols or false gods, which were prevalent in the ancient Near Eastern cultures surrounding Israel. These "worthless things" are contrasted with the living God, who is of infinite worth. The historical context here is crucial, as Israel was surrounded by nations that worshipped idols, and the temptation to adopt these practices was strong. The admonition serves as a warning against idolatry and the pursuit of things that have no eternal value. that cannot profit or deliver The phrase emphasizes the impotence of idols and false pursuits. The Hebrew word for "profit" (יַעֲלֶה, ya'aleh) suggests benefit or gain, while "deliver" (יַצִּיל, yatzil) implies rescue or salvation. In the ancient world, people often turned to idols for prosperity and protection, but Samuel reminds the Israelites that these objects of worship are powerless. This is a profound theological statement about the nature of God versus idols; only God can truly provide and save. The message is clear: trust in God alone, for He is the source of all good and the only one who can deliver from trouble. for they are futile The word "futile" (הַבְּלִים, habalim) in Hebrew conveys the idea of breath or vapor, something transient and insubstantial. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe the fleeting nature of life and the emptiness of idolatry. In the context of 1 Samuel, it underscores the foolishness of relying on anything other than God. Historically, Israel's repeated failures to adhere to this principle led to their downfall and exile. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of placing hope in anything other than the eternal, unchanging God. It calls believers to a life of purpose and meaning found only in a relationship with Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. He is delivering a farewell speech to the Israelites in this chapter. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who have demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God as their direct ruler. 3. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, representing the shift from theocratic to monarchical rule. 4. GilgalThe location where Samuel delivers his farewell address, a significant site for Israel's history and covenant renewal. 5. IdolatryThe act of turning away from God to worship false gods or "worthless things," which is a central theme in Samuel's warning. Teaching Points Avoiding IdolatrySamuel's warning is timeless, urging believers to avoid modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism, power, or fame, which can distract from a relationship with God. The Futility of Worldly PursuitsPursuing things that cannot profit or deliver is ultimately futile. Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal values and God's kingdom. Faithfulness to GodThe call to remain faithful to God, who alone can deliver and provide true profit, is central to Samuel's message. Repentance and RenewalSamuel's address is a call to repentance and renewal of commitment to God, applicable to personal spiritual life today. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite Israel's demand for a king, God remains sovereign. Trusting in His plan and provision is crucial for believers. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some "worthless things" in today's world that can distract us from our relationship with God? 2. How does Samuel's warning against idolatry relate to the first commandment given in Exodus 20? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our pursuits are aligned with God's eternal values rather than worldly ones? 4. How can we apply the principle of repentance and renewal in our daily walk with God? 5. Reflect on a time when you trusted in God's sovereignty despite difficult circumstances. How did that trust impact your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-4The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God alone. Jeremiah 2:5A similar warning against following worthless idols, highlighting the futility of such actions. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, paralleling the idea of not pursuing worthless things. Romans 1:21-23Paul's description of humanity's tendency to exchange the glory of God for images, echoing the futility of idolatry. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Aside, Can't, Deliver, Futile, Gods, Idols, Profit, Rescue, Salvation, Save, Turn, Turning, Useless, VainDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:21 5864 futility 6738 rescue 8748 false religion 1 Samuel 12:19-23 8611 prayer, for others 1 Samuel 12:20-24 7734 leaders, spiritual Library Old Truth for a New Epoch 'Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over yon. 14. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall both ye, and also the king that reigneth over you, continue following the Lord your God: 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Whole Heart LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence … Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The King after Man's Heart 'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Old Judge and the Young King 'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace ? Perseverance of the Saints--"The Final Perseverance of Believers in Christ Jesus," by William O'Neill (message 5). The Rev. C. H. SPURGEON took the chair at 3 o'clock. The proceedings were commenced by singing the 21st Hymn-- Saved from the damning power of sin, The law's tremendous curse, We'll now the sacred song begin Where God began with us. We'll sing the vast unmeasured grace Which, from the days of old, Did all his chosen sons embrace, As sheep within the fold. The basis of eternal love … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 Restraining Prayer: is it Sin? "Thou restrainest prayer before God."--JOB xv. 4. "What profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?"--JOB xxi. 15. "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."--1 SAM. xii. 23. "Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you."--JOSH. vii. 12. Any deep quickening of the spiritual life of the Church will always be accompanied by a deeper sense of sin. This will not begin with theology; that can only give expression to what God works … Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide … Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; … John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses. "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, … Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened … John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 12:21 NIV1 Samuel 12:21 NLT1 Samuel 12:21 ESV1 Samuel 12:21 NASB1 Samuel 12:21 KJV
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