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SAMUEL CONFIRMED SAUL IN HIS FAREWELL SPEECH
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
1 Samuel 12

Psalm 1

 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not

in the counsel of the ungodly…”

 

SAMUEL CONFIRMED SAUL IN HIS FAREWELL SPEECH
 
Samuel continued to guide Israel as the new king consolidated his power. It was a period of transition and the prophet was still held in high esteem. The nation listened to and obeyed him. They recognised that Samuel was God’s spokesman. Though he still did not agree that they should ask for a king, he admonished them to be faithful and to obey the Lord. He told the nation that the Lord would not forsake them. He confirmed Saul publicly as king. This communication also turned out to be his farewell speech, for the prophet would henceforth play a minimal role in the affairs of the nation.
 
He addressed the nation saying that he had hearkened to their voice for a king. He justified himself on the basis of his integrity. He challenged them to speak ought against him. He appealed to the Lord as a witness for him. He had fulfilled the duties of his calling faithfully. He spoke with confidence because the Lord had guided him. He was an example to all Israel. His address was an instruction to Israel. The people bore witness of his testimony that it was true. He appealed to the past works of the Lord that He had done thus far, beginning with the rescue of the nation from Egypt.
 
Nearly four hundred years had passed since the Exodus, and generations had come and gone, but the witness was still fresh. Samuel referred to those earlier experiences to charge the nation that the people must never forsake the Lord. Samuel became the last judge of Israel.
 
When Israel asked for a king, Samuel was taken aback. He took more time to admonish them to walk closer with the Lord. He was qualified and had the authority to speak because of his lifelong walk with the Lord. As his mother offered him to serve in the house of the Lord, he became a worthy servant of the Lord all his life.
 
THOUGHT: Samuel is a hero of faith because he walked with God.

PRAYER: Father, may I follow the footsteps of Thy faithful saints.

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