SAMUEL’S FAREWELL MESSAGE

1 Samuel 12:1-25

Key Verse: 12:23

1.  After confirming Saul as king, what did Samuel say? (1-2) For how long had he served his people? What do his questions reveal about how he had lived as their leader? (3-5) (Think about his humility, transparency and authenticity/integrity.) In his speech, why did he first mention these things? How did they respond? (5b)

2.  How did Samuel remind them of God’s deliverance? (6-8) What was their problem? (9a) How had God disciplined them? (9b) How had they cried out to the Lord, and how had he answered? (10-11) What can we learn here about depraved human nature and about God? Why is it important to remember what God has done personally and nationally?

3.  In what sense was it a great sin for them to ask for a king? (12) Even though they now had a king, what must they and their new king still do? (13-14) What would happen if they didn’t? (15) How did God confirm Samuel’s charge that their asking for a king was evil? (16-18) How did they respond? (19)

4.  How did Samuel comfort and encourage his people, and what direction did he give them? (20-21) How did Samuel plant hope in them? (22)

5.  Read verse 23. Even though he was stepping down as their leader, what two things did Samuel promise to keep on doing for them, and why? How did Samuel’s commitment reveal God’s heart for his people? (2:35) How can we follow his good example?

6.  Read verse 24; compare with verses 13 and 20. For their part, what must the Israelites do? How could they possibly serve God faithfully with all their hearts? (24b) What final warning did Samuel give them and their king? (25)