Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. Now here is the king walking before youThis phrase marks a significant transition in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which signifies a ruler or sovereign. Samuel is acknowledging the establishment of a monarchy, a pivotal shift from the theocratic judgeship that he represented. The phrase "walking before you" implies leadership and guidance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king walking before his people symbolized his role as a shepherd leading his flock, emphasizing the king's duty to guide and protect the nation. As for me, I am old and gray
Samuel's self-description as "old and gray" reflects his advanced age and the wisdom that comes with it. The Hebrew word for "old" is "zaqen," which often denotes not just age but also respect and authority. In biblical times, gray hair was a symbol of honor and experience (Proverbs 16:31). Samuel's acknowledgment of his age serves as a reminder of his long service and dedication to Israel, underscoring the transition from his leadership to that of the newly anointed king. and my sons are here with you
This phrase highlights the presence of Samuel's sons, who were known to be corrupt (1 Samuel 8:3). The Hebrew word for "sons" is "benim," which can also imply descendants or followers. By stating that his sons are "here with you," Samuel might be subtly acknowledging their failure to lead righteously, contrasting their presence with the new king's leadership. This serves as a reminder of the people's demand for a king due to the inadequacies of Samuel's sons. I have walked before you from my youth until this day
The phrase "walked before you" is significant, as it denotes a life of service and integrity. The Hebrew verb "halak" (to walk) often implies living or conducting oneself in a particular manner. Samuel's statement emphasizes his lifelong commitment to serving God and the people of Israel. From his youth, when he was dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, to his current old age, Samuel has been a faithful leader. This continuity of service underscores the gravity of the transition to a monarchy and serves as a testament to Samuel's unwavering dedication to God's calling. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe prophet and last judge of Israel, who served as a bridge between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy. He is addressing the Israelites in this passage. 2. The KingRefers to King Saul, the first king of Israel, whom the people requested to lead them like other nations. 3. Samuel's SonsJoel and Abijah, who were appointed as judges but did not follow Samuel's righteous ways, leading to the people's demand for a king. 4. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who demanded a king to lead them, rejecting God's direct rule through judges. 5. The Transition of LeadershipThis event marks the transition from theocratic rule under judges to a monarchy, highlighting a significant shift in Israel's governance. Teaching Points The Faithfulness of a ServantSamuel's life exemplifies faithfulness in service to God and His people. Despite the people's rejection, he remained committed to his calling. The Consequences of Human DesireThe Israelites' demand for a king demonstrates the consequences of prioritizing human desires over divine guidance. Aging and WisdomSamuel's acknowledgment of his age and experience serves as a reminder of the wisdom that comes with years of faithful service. Leadership and AccountabilityThe presence of Samuel's sons, who did not follow his ways, highlights the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership. God's Sovereignty in Leadership TransitionsEven when human choices seem to deviate from God's ideal, He remains sovereign and works through those decisions for His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samuel's lifelong service to God challenge us in our own commitments and service to Him? 2. In what ways can we discern when our desires are leading us away from God's best for us, as seen in Israel's demand for a king? 3. How can we ensure that our leadership, whether in family, church, or community, reflects integrity and accountability? 4. What lessons can we learn from Samuel's acceptance of aging and the transition of leadership in our own lives? 5. How does understanding God's sovereignty in leadership transitions encourage us in times of change or uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 8This chapter provides context for the people's demand for a king, which displeased Samuel and God, yet God instructed Samuel to heed their request. Deuteronomy 17:14-20Offers guidelines for kingship in Israel, which the people were now implementing by choosing Saul as king. Acts 13:21Reflects on Israel's history, mentioning Saul's reign as part of God's unfolding plan for His people. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Aged, Behold, Childhood, Early, Gray, Grayheaded, Gray-headed, Grey-headed, Habitually, Leader, Sons, Till, Walked, Walketh, Walking, Walks, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:2 5853 experience, of life 1 Samuel 12:1-4 5897 judging others 1 Samuel 12:2-3 5238 bribery 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 12:2 NIV1 Samuel 12:2 NLT1 Samuel 12:2 ESV1 Samuel 12:2 NASB1 Samuel 12:2 KJV
1 Samuel 12:2 Commentaries
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