As Israel celebrates the establishment of Saul’s kingdom, Samuel begins his farewell. He calls Israel to testify against him, but no offense is found (v.1-5). Samuel reminds Israel of God’s gracious ruling and faithful protection in their lives regardless of their sin (v. 6-11). He also reminds them that they rejected God as King in order to choose their own king (v. 12-13). Despite their sin, God’s patience and grace is revealed, in that “if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well.” (v. 14). Samuel calls on God’s restrained wrath to remind them of their sin and God sends thunder and rain. In fear, Israel is convicted of their sin and Samuel instructs them to follow God with all their heart (v. 14-20).
Samuel goes on to tell the Israelites how they were chosen by God for his namesake (glory), and that he will not forsake them. It is for that reason that he urges them to not go after things that do not profit or deliver, empty things (v. 21-22). Samuel’s farewell address is about teaching God’s way and praying for his people. Lastly, he urges the Israelites to serve the Lord faithfully with all their heart, considering the great things God has done, and warns them that if they do wicked things they shall be swept away along with their king (v. 21-25).
For his last great appearance as a judge, Samuel speaks wisely. Inspired by God, he calls us not to perfection, but to a single-minded, deep-in-our-core, love for God, and faithful service to Him with fear and love. Fear, when His holiness and wrath are held up against our sin. And love, because of what HE has already done, despite our sin. Since Jesus took the full measure of God’s wrath and exchanged our sins with his righteousness at the cross, we have so much to be thankful for to the Eternal King, Jesus Christ.
Let us not exchange this immeasurable gift found at the cross for things that do not bring profit and cannot deliver. In his farewell, Samuel graciously reminds us of how we wander to empty things, along with the promise that God’s does not forsake us he and that He will complete the work that He has begun, for his Glory and our good.