Day 8

Samuel’s Final Speech

from the reading plan


1 Samuel 11:1-15, 1 Samuel 12:1-25, Isaiah 5:8-12, Micah 6:1-5


In 1796, George Washington gave his farewell address to the American people. This would become the first of 35 farewell addresses given by a President of the United States (the other eight who served would die in office). The farewell address gives the outgoing President the opportunity to recap his accomplishments, principles, and concern for the people.

This, of course, was not something unique to the American political system. The great leaders in Israel’s history also often gave farewell addresses. This is seen in Moses’ farewell speech, as Israel transitioned to the leadership of Joshua (Deuteronomy 31-33). Samuel also gave his own farewell speech, as God’s people transitioned to the leadership of King Saul (1 Samuel 12). In both of these speeches, the outgoing leader highlights the way in which he conducted himself, the work of God, and a call for the people to remain committed to God.

The people of God had asked for a king. The Lord had granted their request by anointing Saul. When Israel was facing the threat of the Ammonites, Saul rose to the occasion by becoming their defender and leader (1 Samuel 11:1-14). In doing so, he stepped into the role of the king, and Samuel became the last of the judges. With that transition complete, Samuel took the opportunity to address his people.

You see in his speech that Samuel first appeals to the way in which he has conducted himself as God’s appointed judge (1 Samuel 12:3). He explains that he has not acted with sordid gain in mind, or taken a bribe to pervert justice. He then reminds the people of the great redemptive works of the Lord throughout their history (vv. 6-18). Finally, Samuel charges the people of God with the following exhortation: “If you fear the Lord, worship and obey him, and if you don’t rebel against the Lord’s command, then both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God… Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you” (vv. 14, 24).

Samuel reminded the people of their need for an upright leader, of the mighty work of God, and of their own responsibility to respond properly to what God had done for them. These three things find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ—the great Judge and King of the Church.

In His farewell discourse in the Upper Room (John 13-17), Jesus told His disciples of the way in which He led them: with His love, joy, and peace. He reminded them of the work of God in His laying down His life for them and in sending the Holy Spirit to them. And He charged them to abide in Him, to obey Him, and to love one another (John 15:1-17). This is the farewell discourse from which we, as those who’ve been redeemed by Christ, must ever turn our attention.

Written by Nick Batzig

Post Comments (9)

9 thoughts on "Samuel’s Final Speech"

  1. Max Hohner says:

    Samuel’s farewell speech illustrates the need for farewell speeches by emphasizing the three important aspects of farewell speeches: the great need humans have for God, what He has done for us, and how we should respond to what He has done for us. These three aspects of farewell speeches reflect the Biblical framework for understanding life and death that Jeff Brinkman outlined in his sermon at Grace Christian Fellowship – Central Campus in Spokane, WA on 08/06/2017: guilt, grace, and gratitude . Also, Samuel’s farewell speech parallels the farewell speech Jesus makes to the disciples just before his ascension, once again illustrating how the OT constantly points to Christ and the NT.

  2. Daniel Rhodes says:

    “If you fear the Lord, worship and obey him.” That about the most simplest living as a Christian means. Worship him for all the great and powerful things he has done, and obey him because his ways are better especially when we think otherwise.

  3. Anthony Caligaris says:

    Remain aware of all the good He has done for you. When things are going well, it is not a time to be proud and believe you do not need God.

    Be ever mindful of the goodness of God. This will also prepare you for the hard times when you may feel abandoned. God is good always.

  4. Matt Lockwood says:

    It is right and good to fear the Lord.

  5. Kevin says:

    Day 8: Fear the lord, worship and obey him. The commands are there and simple but why is it so hard sometimes? I think often times we read stories in the Bible that we’ve heard before and we don’t allow it to blow us away. Our hearts turn cold to what we read sometimes. My prayer is that for myself, and for you, we find a new heart for his word. A heart that isn’t numbed to the words. A heart desperate to be blown away by God. Love y’all!

  6. Kim says:

    FEAR the Lord, WORSHIP and OBEY Him.

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  8. suba suba says:

    iut8FB I truly appreciate this post.Really thank you! Really Cool.

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