Saul's Confirmation in the Kingship
T. Kirk. 1 Samuel 12:1-5 And Samuel said to all Israel, Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you.… After the great victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh-Gilead, Samuel said to the people, "Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there." The people were in a mood to listen to the advice. They were full of enthusiasm for Saul, and of gratitude to God on account of their splendid success. And Samuel wisely took advantage of the occasion to confirm the loyalty, not only of the people to the king, but also of the king and people to God. 1. After the feast, perhaps in the course of the afternoon, Samuel solemnly addressed the vast assembly. His aim, in the first part of his speech, was to show that they had nothing to justify their demand for a king in the character of his administration. 2. Samuel's aim in the second part of his speech was to show that they had nothing to justify their demand for a king in the character of the Divine administration. 3. But, after convicting them of slighting God in asking for an earthly sovereign, Samuel now speaks to them about their present duty. (T. Kirk.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. WEB: Samuel said to all Israel, "Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you.