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1st Samuel 12 records a sad and foreboding “farewell” for one of ancient Israel’s most influential prophets and judges. The leaders tell Shmuel (Samuel) to retire, because they want a powerful ruler like the other nations.
This treatment is similar to the rebellion centuries earlier against Moses (Numbers 16–18) and centuries later against Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus the Christ).
Food for thought from the recorded discussion
Pre-discussion questions:
- During what moed (“appointed time”; Strong’s lexicon No. 4150) does this farewell occur?
- Why did Samuel chose the town of Gilgal to make this address?
- What job is Samuel resigning from in this chapter?
- Why did the people want a king at this point and time?
How does God view and deal with corruption of the priesthood and leadership? How did that corruption affect the people? How did the leaders deal with corruption in Samuel’s sons (1st Samuel 7-8)?
What tribe is Samuel from, and from what family (Numbers 16)? How loyal was that family, and how did Moses respond (Num. 16:15)? How was Moses’ response similar to Samuel’s (1st Sam. 12:3)? Why did God listen to Moses’ and Samuel’s calls for judgment upon the people (Num. 16:15; 1st Sam. 12:15-18)?
1st Sam. 12:8-18 — Who is Bendan, another name for a famous judge? Could any king call on God to bring thunder and rain? How well-suited was Samuel to be Israel’s leader? How the people’s reaction to the thunder and rain at harvest-time in this chapter similar to the fear the people felt at Sinai (Exodus 19)? How is the location of Gilgal a key meeting place somewhat similar to Sinai?
How come the people don’t get the judgment taken away when they repent for calling for a king? How old is David at this time? During the exodus and wanderings of Israel, the LORD threatened he would wipe out the rebellious people and start over Moses, yet Moses interceded, appealing to the integrity of the LORD’s name (Num. 19:11-19; Ex. 32:11-14). Samuel also said the LORD wouldn’t abandon Israel while bringing judgment (1st Sam. 12:22).
How is the LORD’s “great name” affected when people know we are followers of God yet might see when we are devastated or destroyed by situations?
Reader: Hector Marroquin. Speaker: Daniel Agee.