An interesting point in Israel’s history came as the people began to clamor for a king. Samuel was the judge over Israel at that time, and understandably was disappointed at the Israelites who seemed to be rejecting his rule over them.
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, ‘Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us…’”(1 Samuel 8:4-6). In response to their request, Samuel prayed to the Lord, who told him, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).
The next several chapters spoke of Saul being chosen to reign over Israel. “And Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?’ So all the people shouted and said, ‘Long live the king!’” ( 1 Samuel 10:24).
At the official address Samuel delivered to the people during Saul’s coronation, he asked them directly if he personally had abused his position as judge of Israel. His question can be summed up in the words, “whom have I cheated?” (12:3). The response of the people is interesting. They proclaimed with God Himself as the witness between Samuel and the people, “You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand” (1 Samuel 12:4). Now this exchange was only a small part of his address, but it allowed him to speak authoritatively regarding what God had done for Israel. They admitted Samuel to have been a good and just man, and therefore were morally bound to accept his instructions at this important moment in their history as a nation.
In response, after giving his instructions, Samuel said, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way” (12:23).
So let’s summarize the character of Samuel. He had been devoted to the Lord from the time he was a small boy. After becoming judge of Israel he was commended by the people for being honest, and treating the people with compassion. Further, when the people asked for the king, at God’s direction he gave up his position of authority, but remained true to God in his directions to the people. He did not hold a grudge.
The New Testament gives us directions to love, and to act righteously. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out how to do that! Examine Samuel’s life, and use him as an example!
