Question 1

What is happening in this passage where Samuel speaks to Israel?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, Israel has just moved from being led directly by God through judges to having a human king. Samuel, who has led them since he was a boy, gives a farewell-style speech. He first asks the people to confirm that he has treated them fairly and not taken from or oppressed anyone. Then he reminds them how God rescued their ancestors from Egypt and from many enemies whenever they cried out. He also confronts them for asking for a king, yet still offers hope if they will now fear, obey, and serve the Lord with all their heart.

Question 2

Why does Samuel ask whose ox or donkey he has taken?

Accepted Answer

Samuel’s questions about whose ox or donkey he has taken are his way of proving his honesty and fairness as a leader. He is inviting the people to accuse him publicly if he has stolen, cheated, or accepted bribes. When they answer that he has not defrauded or oppressed them, it shows that his hands are clean. This matters because a new king is now in place, and Samuel wants the people to see the contrast between godly, selfless leadership and the kind of leadership that takes from others. It also shows that he can speak God’s message without hidden guilt.

Question 3

Why was asking for a king called a great wickedness?

Accepted Answer

Asking for a king was called a great wickedness because it showed a lack of trust in God’s rule and care. God had already been their king, rescuing them again and again through leaders he raised up. When Nahash of Ammon threatened them, instead of crying to God for help, they demanded a human king like other nations. Samuel explains that this demand was not just about government, it was a rejection of God’s direct rule. God still granted their request, but he used Samuel’s words and the storm to show them how serious this sin was and to lead them to repentance.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the thunder and rain during wheat harvest?

Accepted Answer

The thunder and rain during wheat harvest were a sign from God to underline Samuel’s message. At that time of year in Israel, heavy rain was unusual, so a sudden storm was clearly from God. Samuel calls on the Lord, and the storm comes right away. This proves that God is backing Samuel’s warning about their sin in asking for a king. The people see this and become very afraid, realizing their guilt. The storm is not just to scare them, but to help them “perceive and see” how serious their choice was, so they will turn back to God with sincere hearts.

Question 5

What does it mean to fear the Lord and serve Him with all your heart here?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, to fear the Lord does not mean to run away from Him, but to treat Him with deep respect, awe, and obedience. Serving Him with all your heart means not holding back, not chasing after idols or “vain things” that cannot help or save. Samuel is telling the people that even though they have sinned badly, they must not turn aside from following God. Instead, they should give Him their whole inner life, choices, and loyalty. This kind of fear and service shows up in listening to His voice, keeping His commands, and remembering all He has done for them.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s character and faithfulness?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is both just and merciful. He lets Israel feel the consequences of forgetting Him by handing them over to enemies, yet He also hears their cries and sends deliverers again and again. Even after they sin by asking for a king, Samuel says, “The Lord will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake.” God stays faithful because of who He is and because He chose them as His people. At the same time, He warns that if they keep doing evil, they and their king will be swept away. God’s faithfulness does not cancel His holiness.

Question 7

How does Samuel promise to treat the people after they have sinned?

Accepted Answer

Samuel does not walk away in anger, even though the people have rejected his kind of leadership. He says it would be a sin for him to stop praying for them. Instead, he promises to keep praying and to teach them “the good and the right way.” This shows a heart of true shepherd-like care. He is honest about their sin, but he also stays committed to their good. His response gives a pattern for how to treat others who have failed: speak the truth, keep praying for them, and keep pointing them back to God’s ways rather than giving up on them.

Question 8

How can this passage about Samuel and Israel apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to think about a few things. First, like Samuel, ask whether your life is honest and clean toward others, especially if you lead in any way. Second, remember how God has helped you in the past, instead of quickly looking for human fixes when trouble comes. Third, take sin seriously, as Israel had to do when they realized their request for a king was wrong. Finally, hold on to the hope in these verses: even after real failure, God calls you to fear Him, serve Him with all your heart, and trust that He does not lightly forsake those He has made His own.

1 Samuel 12:1

And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.

Samuel’s Farewell Address

Samuel Addresses Israel

The King Confirmed

Samuel’s Farewell Address

Samuel Addresses Israel

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1 Samuel 12:1

And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.

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Samuel’s Farewell Address

Samuel Addresses Israel

The King Confirmed

Samuel’s Farewell Address

Samuel Addresses Israel

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