1 Sa. 12: A Stormy Farewell

1 Samuel 12:22 "For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own."

Samuel is hanging it up. He wanted the people to be witnesses that he did nothing unjust or evil in the sight of God. I'm not sure how I feel about this. He seems to be saying, "See, I did nothing wrong. I'm a good example for you."

Samuel then gives a history lesson, mentioning revered heroes including Moses, Aaron and Gideon, (and...Samuel) who trusted God and followed Him despite it not exactly being a popular thing to do. Quite a rare feat, actually.

The Israelites of the past had their "great sins," and this generation was no different. This generation wanted a king over them. They rejected God. A large sin. The sin, it would seem. It was, after all, God who delivered them from famine and enemies. God made a way, and God always provided. God was consistently rejected.

It took a thunderstorm to shake the people's attention and admit to their mistake. They "add" it to their offenses. They own up to their past failures. And again they are warned what will happen if they and their human king fail to follow God's commands.

But there is hope. There is a comforting thought, that God will not turn away from His people. Why? Because He can't? He won't. It was God who chose these people. God has bound the nation of Israel to Himself.