As 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. As for meThis phrase marks a personal declaration from Samuel, setting a contrast between his actions and those of the people. In Hebrew, the phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and commitment. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, distinguishes his role as one who remains faithful to God despite the people's demand for a king. This highlights the importance of individual accountability in spiritual leadership. far be it from me
This expression is a strong Hebrew idiom used to reject an action emphatically. It underscores Samuel's deep conviction and moral integrity. The phrase suggests a solemn vow or oath, indicating that Samuel sees the act of ceasing to pray as unthinkable. It reflects the seriousness with which he views his duty to intercede for the people. that I should sin against the LORD
Here, Samuel equates failing to pray with sinning against God. The Hebrew concept of sin involves missing the mark or failing in one's duty. Samuel's understanding of sin is relational, emphasizing that neglecting prayer is not just a personal failure but an offense against God. This highlights the gravity of prayerlessness in the life of a believer. by ceasing to pray for you
Prayer, in the Hebrew context, is an act of intercession and communication with God. Samuel's commitment to prayer underscores its importance as a continual, unceasing practice. The phrase suggests that prayer is a vital duty of spiritual leaders, serving as a means of support and guidance for the community. It reflects the belief that prayer is powerful and necessary for the well-being of God's people. And I will continue to teach you
Teaching, in the Hebrew tradition, involves imparting wisdom and understanding. Samuel's role as a teacher is to guide the people in God's ways. The phrase indicates a commitment to ongoing instruction, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in teaching truth. It reflects the responsibility of leaders to educate and nurture their communities in righteousness. the good and right way
This phrase refers to the path of righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. In Hebrew, "good" often denotes what is beneficial and pleasing to God, while "right" implies justice and moral integrity. Samuel's teaching aims to direct the people towards a life that aligns with God's will. It underscores the belief that there is a divinely ordained way of living that leads to blessing and favor. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, Samuel addresses the Israelites, emphasizing his commitment to intercede for them and guide them in God's ways. 2. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who demanded a king to lead them like other nations. This request led to the anointing of Saul as their first king, marking a significant transition in their governance. 3. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who has been faithful to His people despite their repeated disobedience and desire for a human king. 4. PrayerA central theme in this verse, highlighting the importance of intercession and communication with God. 5. TeachingSamuel's role as a spiritual leader includes instructing the Israelites in the ways of the LORD, ensuring they follow the path of righteousness. Teaching Points The Importance of Intercessory PrayerSamuel's commitment to pray for the Israelites underscores the vital role of intercessory prayer in the life of a believer. We are called to pray for others, lifting their needs before God. Prayer as a Duty and PrivilegeSamuel views ceasing to pray as a sin against the LORD, highlighting that prayer is both a duty and a privilege for believers. It is an essential part of our relationship with God. The Role of Spiritual LeadershipSamuel's dedication to teaching the Israelites the "good and right way" serves as a model for spiritual leaders today. Leaders are called to instruct and guide others in accordance with God's Word. Faithfulness in MinistrySamuel's unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, despite the Israelites' demand for a king, teaches us about faithfulness in our own ministries and callings. The Power of Righteous LivingSamuel's life exemplifies the impact of living righteously and the influence it can have on others. Our actions and prayers can lead others toward God's path. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samuel's commitment to prayer challenge your own prayer life, particularly in terms of interceding for others? 2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of teaching and guiding others in your daily life, as Samuel did with the Israelites? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt called to pray for someone. How did that experience impact your relationship with God and with that person? 4. How can you ensure that your leadership, whether in your family, church, or community, aligns with the "good and right way" as described by Samuel? 5. Consider the role of prayer in your spiritual journey. How can you cultivate a more consistent and fervent prayer life, as encouraged by 1 Thessalonians 5:17? Connections to Other Scriptures James 5:16This verse emphasizes the power of prayer, particularly the prayer of a righteous person, which aligns with Samuel's commitment to pray for the Israelites. Philippians 4:6Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, reflecting Samuel's dedication to intercession. Proverbs 22:6Highlights the importance of teaching and guiding others in the right way, similar to Samuel's role in instructing the Israelites. 1 Thessalonians 5:17Calls believers to pray without ceasing, echoing Samuel's commitment to continual prayer. Hebrews 13:17Discusses the responsibility of leaders to guide and watch over their people, akin to Samuel's role as a spiritual leader. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Ceasing, Directed, Failing, Forbid, Giving, Instruct, Moreover, Orders, Prayers, Sin, Teach, Teaching, UprightDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:23 4020 life, of faith
5496 revenge, examples
5501 reward, human
6682 mediation
8492 watchfulness, leaders
8616 prayerlessness
8640 calling upon God 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 12:23 NIV1 Samuel 12:23 NLT1 Samuel 12:23 ESV1 Samuel 12:23 NASB1 Samuel 12:23 KJV
1 Samuel 12:23 Commentaries
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