1Samuel:12

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-5 - Samuel not only cleared his own character , but set an example before Saul , while he showed the people their ingratitude to God and to himself . There is a just debt which all men to their own good name , especially men in public stations , which is , to guard it against unjust blame and suspicions , that they may finish their course with honour , as well as with joy . And that we have in our places lived honestly , will be our comfort , under any slights and contempt that may be put upon us . * Verse 6-15 - The work of ministers is to reason with people ; not only to exhort and direct , but to persuade , to convince men 's judgments , and so to gain their wills and affections . Samuel reasons of the righteous acts of the Lord . Those who follow God faithfully , he will enable to continue following him . Disobedience would certainly be the ruin of Israel . We mistake if we think that we can escape God 's justice , by trying to shake off his dominion . If we resolve that God shall not rule us , yet he will judge us . * Verse 16-25 - At Samuel 's word , God sent thunder and rain , at a season of the year when , in that country , the like was not seen . This was to convince them they had done wickedly in asking a king ; not only by its coming at an unusual time , in wheat harvest , and on a clear day , but by the prophet 's giving notice of it before . He showed their folly in desiring a king to save them , rather than God , or Samuel ; promising themselves more from an arm of flesh , than from the arm of God , or from the power of prayer . Could their prince command such forces as the prophet could do by his prayers ? It startled them very much . Some will not be brought to see their sins by any gentler methods than storms and thunders . They entreat Samuel to pray for them . Now they see their need of him whom shortly before they slighted . Thus many who will not have Christ to reign over them , would yet be glad to have him intercede for them , to turn away the wrath of God . Samuel aims to confirm the people in their religion . Whatever we make a god of , we shall find it deceive us . Creatures in their own places are good ; but when put in God 's place , they are vain things . We sin if we restrain prayer , and in particular if we cease praying for the church . They only asked him to pray for them ; but he promises to do more , to teach them . He urges that they were bound in gratitude to serve God , considering what great things he had done for them ; and that they were bound in interest to serve him , considering what he would do against them , if they should still do wickedly . Thus , as a faithful watchman , he gave them warning , and so delivered his own soul . If we consider what great things the Lord hath done for us , especially in the great work of redemption , we can neither want motive , encouragement , nor assistance in serving him . Henry ' _1__13 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

---