1Sa 12:1 | MHM | STEP | Samuel's Discourse to Israel In this section, Samuel speaks to the people of Israel as he steps down from leadership. He talks about how the government has changed and reminds them of his own service. Samuel wants to clear his name and show that he has acted honestly. He also encourages the people to remember the difference between his rule and what a king’s rule might be like, especially in how the people are treated and how they worship God. v. 1-2 : Samuel begins by reminding the Israelites of the big change in their government. He has served them faithfully since he was a child, guiding them like a shepherd leads his sheep (Psalm 80:1; Psalm 80:1 ). Now, he is old and gray-headed. He tells them that, because he may not speak to them again, they should listen carefully to his words. Samuel points out that his sons are still with the people and can be judged fairly if they have done anything wrong. He also tells them that he has given them the king they wanted, even though it meant stepping aside. He warns them to be careful not to turn away from God as they become more like other nations in their government (1 Samuel 12:1–2; 1 Samuel 12:1

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‏ 1 Samuel 12:1

Samuel's Discourse to Israel

In this section, Samuel speaks to the people of Israel as he steps down from leadership. He talks about how the government has changed and reminds them of his own service. Samuel wants to clear his name and show that he has acted honestly. He also encourages the people to remember the difference between his rule and what a king’s rule might be like, especially in how the people are treated and how they worship God.

v. 1-2: Samuel begins by reminding the Israelites of the big change in their government. He has served them faithfully since he was a child, guiding them like a shepherd leads his sheep (Psalm 80:1; Psalm 80:1 ^a). Now, he is old and gray-headed. He tells them that, because he may not speak to them again, they should listen carefully to his words. Samuel points out that his sons are still with the people and can be judged fairly if they have done anything wrong. He also tells them that he has given them the king they wanted, even though it meant stepping aside. He warns them to be careful not to turn away from God as they become more like other nations in their government (1 Samuel 12:1–2; 1 Samuel 12:1–2 ^b).