1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 45In this incident Israel faced a very threatening situation physically and spiritually. Thepeople's reaction was to weep (v. 4). God went into action because He had madepromises to protect His people (cf. Heb. 13:5-6). He provided deliverance when Hispeople thought there was no hope. The result was that God's people rededicatedthemselves to following the Lord faithfully. Their weeping gave way to rejoicing.In this incident we also see Saul humble and hardworking (v. 5). God's Spirit empoweredhim (v. 6), and gave him wisdom (vv. 7-8) and victory (v. 11). Saul gave God the gloryfor his success, and he was merciful and forgiving toward his critics (v. 13). God alsogave him favor in the eyes <strong>of</strong> His people (v. 15; cf. 2:30; Prov. 16:7).<strong>Samuel</strong>'s second warning to the people ch. 12The writer wrote chapters 12—15 very skillfully to parallel chapters 8—11. Each sectionbegins with <strong>Samuel</strong> warning the people about the dangers <strong>of</strong> their requesting a king (chs.8 and 12). Each one also follows with a description <strong>of</strong> Saul's exploits (chs. 9—10 and13—14) and ends with Saul leading Israel in battle (chs. 11 and 15). This parallelstructure vividly sets <strong>of</strong>f the contrast between Saul's early success as Israel's king and hissubsequent failure. The reason he failed is the primary theological lesson <strong>of</strong> thesechapters, and it is a continuation <strong>of</strong> the fertility motif.Chapter 12 is another most important theological passage in <strong>Samuel</strong> along with 1 <strong>Samuel</strong>7 and 2 <strong>Samuel</strong> 7. Here <strong>Samuel</strong> explained Israel's future relationship with Yahweh andthe Mosaic Law since the people insisted on having a king and had rejected Yahweh and<strong>Samuel</strong>."With this address <strong>Samuel</strong> laid down his <strong>of</strong>fice as judge, but withouttherefore ceasing as prophet to represent the people before God, and tomaintain the rights <strong>of</strong> God in relation to the king." 138"This chapter . . . formally marks the end <strong>of</strong> the period <strong>of</strong> the judges. . ." 139<strong>Samuel</strong>'s self-vindication 12:1-5Why did <strong>Samuel</strong> feel the need to justify his behavior publicly? Perhaps he knew thatbecause the people had rebelled against God by demanding a king they would experiencediscipline from the Lord. When it came he did not want anyone to think he wasresponsible for it. Also, it is likely that <strong>Samuel</strong> took the people's request for a king as apersonal rejection <strong>of</strong> himself. 140 He probably wanted to show the people that they had noreason to reject him because <strong>of</strong> his behavior. <strong>Samuel</strong>'s words may seem to exposepersonal pride. I think more probably they express his concern that no one conclude thatliving a life <strong>of</strong> commitment to God, as he had lived, would bring God's discipline. The138 Keil and Delitzsch, p. 115.139 Gordon, p. 125.140 Wood, Israel's United . . ., p. 70.