Samuel addresses the people for his last time as their leader. He reminds the nation that although God accepted their wish to be ruled by a king, this does not mean that it was a good decision. He underscores that while a king could dispossess the people at will, he never took anything unjustly. Everything he did was sincerely for the sake of God. Finally, he reminds themthat when they repented and eradicated idolatry, God stood by their side and granted them success and prosperity. Monarchy is not the solution to their problems—fulfilling God’s will is. The people and king must make sure to continue walking the right path. Saul’s coronation is during the harvest season, yet as a consequence of the nation’s ill-advised decision, Samuel asks God to make it rain.. The people are horrified to see their crops gone to waste. Samuel calms them by promising that if they continue to follow God, He will remain by their side. When we strive to help others, we should try to do so unconditionally and expect nothing in return. Only in this way will we merit true divine blessings.
“Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand” (1 Samuel 12:4)
“Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe” (1 Samuel 12:11)
“Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king” (1 Samuel 12:17)
Kindness flows when we put others before ourselves.
