Backsliding Arrested
1 Samuel 12:21
And turn you not aside: for then should you go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.


I. The first point of instruction addressed to such is, THAT THEY SHOULD NOT PROCEED ANOTHER STEP IN THEIR BACKSLIDING.

II. The second point of instruction which the prophet addressed to these trembling backsliders was, that THEY SHOULD HAVE A FILIAL CONFIDENCE IN GOD, IN ORDER THAT THEY MIGHT NOT DEPART FROM HIM. "Fear not, ye have done all this wickedness; yet turn not aside from following the Lord with all your heart."

III. This leads us to the third point of instruction addressed by the Prophet to the people, namely, THE GROUND UPON WHICH THEIR CONFIDENCE WAS TO REST. "Turn ye not aside; for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain. For the Lord will not forsake his people."

IV. THE REASON WHY THE LORD THUS DELIGHTS TO BE GRACIOUS. "For the Lord will not forsake his people, for His great name's sake: because it has pleased the Lord to make you his people."

(B. Noel.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

WEB: Don't turn aside; for [then you would go] after vain things which can't profit nor deliver, for they are vain.




Danger or Despondency
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