Lessons From Samuel

Lessons from Samuel                                              January 18, 2026

1 Samuel 12 marks the transition between the era of the judges leading Israel to the establishment of kings leading Israel.  In 1 Samuel 10 – 11 Saul was anointed the first king of Israel.  The Israelites wanted to be like all the other nations around them and have a king.  So the elders of Israel demanded Samuel to anoint a king (1 Samuel 8:5).

In some bibles 1 Samuel 12 is entitled Samuel’s farewell address.  However, in James Coffman’s commentary, he rightly points out, “Some have called this, `Samuel’s Farewell Address,’ but that is an error. Samuel by no means retired from his ministry of guiding Israel into the new system of government, as subsequent chapters of First Samuel abundantly prove.”  There is much we can glean from Samuel’s address to the Israelites.  His words are still able to provide guidance and direction for us today.

Samuel states that he is a man of integrity and clearly the life he has lived has demonstrated this.  The Israelites agree with his assessment (1 Samuel 12:1-5).  Integrity starts where no one else can see it – in our hearts. Psalm 86:11 teaches us that we are to have pure hearts and a desire to live according to God’s truths.  In Acts 24:16 when Paul was before Felix he states that he tried to live his life in such a way to “have a clear conscience before God and all people.”  In Matthew 5:37 Jesus teaches us to let “our yes be yes and our no be no.”  Simply put our word needs to be reliable, people need to know that our word can be counted on.  Men like Job and Daniel also demonstrated integrity in their lives and are fantastic examples for us to follow.

Samuel understood and could articulate Israel’s history and God’s faithfulness to deliver His people when they were in trouble (1 Samuel 12:6-12).  Are we able to articulate our history, God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver us? Do we recognize that God is our King?  We are explicitly told to ensure that the stories of God’s past deeds are handed down from generation to generation  so that future generations will put their hope in God  (Psalm 78:4-8).  The Israelites often made physical reminders in order to prompt opportunities to articulate the story of God’s deliverance.  In Joshua 4, twelve stones were erected as a memorial after God had allowed the Israelites to cross the Jordan on dry ground, so that in the future their children could ask what these stones meant.  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”  We have to be able to clearly articulate what God has done in our lives and how we should demonstrate obedience to His will.  In Acts 7, Stephen clearly summarizes Israel’s history and demonstrates how God has remained faithful despite their disobedience.  So, will our history as Christians be one of obedience or disobedience?  Can we learn from Israel’s mistakes and not repeat them?

Despite this transition to an earthly king to lead the Israelites, Samuel identifies that the conditions of the covenant that God had established have not changed (1 Samuel 12:13-25).  Samuel implores his people to turn away from their evil habits.  Samuel reminds them they and their king are God’s chosen people and they need to fear the Lord, serve Him and obey Him. We live under a new covenant today.  Hebrews 9:15 and Hebrews 12:24 tells us that Christ is the mediator of a new covenant.  This covenant was put into place by the blood of Christ and requires us to live transformed, obedient lives for God who gives us the hope of eternal life with His Son in heaven.   We live in a fast-paced ever changing world, but just as it was in Samuel’s day the conditions of God’s covenant with us today have not changed.  In order for us to enter this glorious covenant relationship with God, we must first hear the gospel message (death, burial and resurrection) of Christ (Romans 10:17; I Corinthians 15:1-4).  Then we must be convicted (believe) that Jesus is the son of God and the only Saviour  (John 8:24).  Further we need to turn away from our sinful lives and live a life focused on God (repentance) (Acts 2:38).   Then we need to confess our belief that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).  Finally we must live steadfast, faithful, obedient lives  (1 Corinthians 15:58). 

1 Samuel 12 reminds us that while leadership and cultures change, God’s standards do not. Whether in the days of the judges, kings, or the modern era, God calls His people to lives of integrity, obedience and faithfulness.  By remembering our history and honoring our covenant relationship, we ensure that the story of God’s redemption, grace, mercy and love continues to be told.

                                                                                                            By Kevin Pickles