1 Samuel 12:6
Then Samuel said to the people, "The LORD is the One who appointed Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
Then Samuel said to the people
This phrase introduces the prophet Samuel as the speaker, addressing the Israelites. Samuel, whose name in Hebrew (שְׁמוּאֵל, Shemuel) means "heard by God," serves as a pivotal figure in Israel's history, bridging the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy. His role as a prophet, priest, and judge underscores the theocratic leadership God provided to Israel. Samuel's address to the people is a reminder of his divinely appointed authority and his role as God's mouthpiece.

The LORD
The term "LORD" in the Hebrew text is "YHWH" (יהוה), the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal relationship with Israel. By invoking this name, Samuel emphasizes the personal and covenantal aspect of God's dealings with His people, reminding them of His faithfulness and sovereignty.

is the One who appointed
The Hebrew root for "appointed" is "שׂוּם" (sum), meaning to set, place, or appoint. This action highlights God's sovereign choice and divine initiative in raising leaders for His people. It underscores the belief that leadership in Israel is not a result of human ambition but of divine selection and purpose.

Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron are central figures in Israel's history, representing God's deliverance and priestly leadership. Moses, whose name in Hebrew (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) means "drawn out," was the great lawgiver and leader who brought Israel out of Egypt. Aaron, his brother, served as the first high priest, establishing the priestly line. Their mention here serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and the foundational role they played in shaping Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

and brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt
This phrase recalls the Exodus, a defining moment in Israel's history when God delivered His people from slavery. The Hebrew verb "brought up" (עָלָה, alah) conveys the idea of ascent, both physically from Egypt and spiritually towards God. The "land of Egypt" symbolizes bondage and oppression, from which God redeemed His people. This historical reference serves as a powerful reminder of God's saving acts and His ability to deliver and transform.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
A prophet and last judge of Israel, who played a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is central to the account as the divine authority and deliverer.

3. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.

4. Aaron
Brother of Moses, appointed by God as the first high priest of Israel, assisting Moses in leading the people.

5. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God appoints leaders according to His divine plan and purpose. Just as He appointed Moses and Aaron, He continues to guide His people through chosen leaders today.

Remembering God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on past deliverance, like the Exodus, strengthens our faith in God's ongoing faithfulness and provision in our lives.

The Role of Prophets and Priests
Samuel, Moses, and Aaron exemplify the roles of prophet and priest, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Prophet, Priest, and King.

Trust in Divine Deliverance
Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, He delivers us from sin and bondage through Jesus Christ. Trust in His power to save and transform.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was marked by obedience and disobedience. Our journey of faith requires obedience to God's Word and commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's appointment of leaders like Moses and Aaron impact your view of leadership within the church today?

2. In what ways can you remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in your own life, similar to how Israel remembered the Exodus?

3. How do the roles of Moses and Aaron as prophet and priest foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God's deliverance and provision, as the Israelites did during the Exodus?

5. How can you cultivate a heart of obedience to God's commands, learning from the successes and failures of the Israelites in their journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3-4
These chapters detail God's calling of Moses and Aaron, emphasizing their divine appointment and mission to lead Israel out of Egypt.

Psalm 77:20
This verse reflects on God's guidance of His people through Moses and Aaron, reinforcing their roles as divinely appointed leaders.

Hebrews 11:24-29
This passage highlights the faith of Moses, underscoring his role in God's redemptive plan and connecting to the faithfulness of God in delivering His people.
Samuel's Admonitions to IsraelB. Dale 1 Samuel 12:1-25
Samuel's Dealings with the PeopleW. G. Blaikie, D. D.1 Samuel 12:6-25
People
Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, Sisera
Places
Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, Moab
Topics
Aaron, Advanced, Appointed, Authority, Egypt, Fathers, Forefathers, Samuel, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 12:6

     4963   past, the
     5073   Aaron, priest

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 Scripture

The 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

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