So Long, And Thanks For All The Headaches

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 15 to study 1 Samuel 12.  This is the final chapter of the Establishment of the Monarchy.  After this, Samuel and Kings follow a literary formula used for the remainder of the kings.  Here is the final address of Samuel to the people.

Read through the chapter a several times.  Look for things that jump out at you that don't make sense.  Some of what Samuel says refers to the Book of Judges which we haven't gone through yet.  Most though is a rehash of things he has said before with slight differences.  Look for and note the differences; and ask yourself why they might be different.

After reading through and jotting down some notes, consider the questions below as you read through again.

• Samuel starts by stating the current situation.  Then he asks who might have a charge against him.  Why do you think he'd ask that question?  What do you think might be his point in doing so?
• After the people respond that they have no charges, he calls God into it as a witness that they have no charges, and they agree.  Now what might he be doing?  Why do you think he would take it to this extra step?
• Then Samuel recounts the series of failures and subsequent deliverances by God.  Now what might he be doing?  He's cleared himself, now he's clearing God; but why might he be doing this?
• What does Samuel say prompted the people's request for a king?  Why use that?  Do you think that was the issue all along, or just a convenient recent issue?
• So, now they have a king, and Samuel charges them to serve and fear God; but what is the benefit, the other side of the "covenant" so to speak?  Read verse 14 in as many translations as you have access.  Consider the differences and similarities as you answer the question.
• Consider the consequences for disobedience.  It's not specific, but generally, how bad does that sound to you?  Think about how it could be worse.  How much worse can you imagine?
• As a sign to them of the truth of his words, Samuel calls on God for thunder and rain during the harvest.  Your study commentaries won't be able to pass that up.  What is the significance of the rain at harvest time?  There may be some disagreement over the significance.
• The people are panic-stricken over the rain/thunder (or voice).  But why would they think they will die, who said anything about that?
• The response of Samuel to their fearful plea is my central teaching from this chapter.  Consider the pieces of what Samuel says in verses 20-23, and consider what this says of the character of God, not just of Samuel.  What do you learn of your relationship with God from this?  How does He see you?
• How does verse 25 and verse 22 fit into the same context?

That should help us through the passage.  Be sure to bring your own questions and comments to the group.  See you Thursday!