But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, 'No, we must have a king to rule over us'--even though the LORD your God was your king. But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against youNahash was a king of the Ammonites, a people often in conflict with Israel. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, and their territory was east of the Jordan River. Historically, the Ammonites were known for their hostility towards Israel, as seen in Judges 11. Nahash's aggression is a catalyst for Israel's demand for a human king, highlighting their fear and lack of trust in God's protection. This reflects a recurring theme in Israel's history where external threats lead to internal spiritual crises. you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’
This statement marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The Israelites' demand for a king signifies a shift from a theocratic system, where God directly ruled through judges, to a monarchy. This request was not merely political but spiritual, indicating a desire to conform to the surrounding nations (1 Samuel 8:5). It reveals a lack of faith in God's sovereignty and protection, despite His past deliverances. This decision would have long-term consequences, as seen in the subsequent reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. even though the LORD your God was your king
This phrase underscores the theological error in Israel's request. God was their true king, as established in the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6). The demand for a human king was a rejection of God's kingship and a failure to recognize His provision and guidance. This reflects a deeper spiritual issue of idolatry and self-reliance. The desire for a human king foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingship in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, who perfectly embodies God's rule and reign (Revelation 19:16). Persons / Places / Events 1. NahashKing of the Ammonites, an enemy of Israel who threatened them, prompting their demand for a human king. 2. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet who anointed Saul as king and delivered God's messages to the people. 3. IsraelitesThe people of Israel who demanded a king to lead them, rejecting God's direct kingship. 4. AmmonitesA neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, led by Nahash during this period. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who was their divine king and protector. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty vs. Human LeadershipThe Israelites' demand for a king reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. We must evaluate where we place our trust and ensure it is in God rather than human institutions or leaders. Fear and FaithThe fear of Nahash led the Israelites to seek a human king. In our lives, fear can drive us away from faith. We should strive to respond to fear with trust in God's provision and protection. Conformity to the WorldIsrael's desire to be like other nations led them to reject God's unique plan for them. Christians are called to be set apart and not conform to worldly standards. The Role of LeadershipWhile human leadership is necessary, it should always be under God's guidance. Leaders in the church and community should seek God's wisdom and direction. Repentance and ObedienceSamuel's message calls for repentance and obedience to God. We should regularly examine our lives, repent of misplaced trust, and commit to following God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Israelites' request for a king reflect their spiritual state, and what can we learn about our own tendencies to seek security outside of God? 2. In what ways do we, like the Israelites, sometimes conform to the world rather than trusting in God's unique plan for us? 3. How can we ensure that our leaders, both in the church and in society, are guided by God's principles rather than human desires? 4. Reflect on a time when fear led you to make a decision without consulting God. How can you apply faith in similar situations in the future? 5. Considering Deuteronomy 17:14-20, what characteristics should we look for in leaders, and how can we support them in aligning with God's will? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 8This chapter details the Israelites' initial request for a king, which displeased Samuel and God, highlighting their desire to be like other nations. Deuteronomy 17:14-20Provides God's guidelines for a king, indicating that God anticipated their request but desired their king to follow His laws. Judges 8:23Gideon refuses kingship, emphasizing that the LORD should rule over Israel, contrasting with the people's later demand. Hosea 13:10-11Reflects on Israel's request for a king and God's response, showing the consequences of their choice. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Although, Ammon, Ammonites, Bene-ammon, Moving, Nahash, Nay, Reign, Rule, Ruler, Sons, ThoughDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:12 2376 kingdom of God, coming
5326 government
5369 kingship, divine
7236 Israel, united kingdom
7263 theocracy 1 Samuel 12:12-15 5366 king
5370 kingship, human Library Old Truth for a New Epoch
'Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over yon. 14. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall both ye, and also the king that reigneth over you, continue following the Lord your God: 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Old Judge and the Young King
'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
? Perseverance of the Saints--"The Final Perseverance of Believers in Christ Jesus," by William O'Neill (message 5). The Rev. C. H. SPURGEON took the chair at 3 o'clock. The proceedings were commenced by singing the 21st Hymn-- Saved from the damning power of sin, The law's tremendous curse, We'll now the sacred song begin Where God began with us. We'll sing the vast unmeasured grace Which, from the days of old, Did all his chosen sons embrace, As sheep within the fold. The basis of eternal love …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
"Thou restrainest prayer before God."--JOB xv. 4. "What profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?"--JOB xxi. 15. "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."--1 SAM. xii. 23. "Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you."--JOSH. vii. 12. Any deep quickening of the spiritual life of the Church will always be accompanied by a deeper sense of sin. This will not begin with theology; that can only give expression to what God works …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 12:12 NIV1 Samuel 12:12 NLT1 Samuel 12:12 ESV1 Samuel 12:12 NASB1 Samuel 12:12 KJV
1 Samuel 12:12 Commentaries
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