Samuel’s farewell speech comes to a climax, the decision of the people to ask for a king (v 19), a choice he describes as evil. Chapter eight reports his displeasure at their request for a royal family and he pours out his lament in prayer. God responds to this clamour for a king by naming it as a rejection, not of Samuel but the Lord. They have substituted the kingship of God for a human despot. 

Fast forward to this passage and we can hear the compassion and anger in Samuel’s voice. Yes, they made a bad decision, but God is with them and is not against them. If, however, they persist in turning away from God, they will be swept away. Ominous words, and the stakes are high for all Samuel’s hearers, including King Saul. But it’s not too late. 

The situation may be finally balanced but it’s still possible for both parties to move together with blessing. This passage says to me that my poor decisions are not irreparable. There is always forgiveness and a fresh start with God. And an invitation to lead a new life in his strength.

What does it mean to be wholehearted about something? Talk to God about your sincerity in following Jesus.

Yesterday, where I live, in the space of a few hours, we had sleet, snow, rain, sunshine, strong winds and a hail shower! The British are used to sudden weather changes and they (or, at least, the meteorologists) understand the reasons for them. For ancient Israel, the sudden thunderstorm during the wheat harvest was very unusual and would have been very scary. Superstition, perhaps, but it certainly made them listen to Samuel. We’ve already seen the tension regarding the rightness or otherwise of their desire for a king.¹ The thunderstorm convicted them of their sin in this respect, but Samuel reassured them that God hadn’t abandoned them; they only needed to return to him, wholeheartedly. They were in a covenant relationship with God. His name was at stake (v 22), so he would continue with his side of that agreement. The people needed to fulfil theirs: wholehearted obedience.

It’s a constant refrain in Scripture. Sin is not the end, but it’s important to repent and live differently, in obedience to God’s commands.² Israel would have the encouragement of Samuel’s prayers, as well as his ongoing instruction in the good and right way (v 23). If you are a church leader, the place of prayer for your people is tremendously important, as much as your sermons. Do you set aside regular times to intercede for your flock? For individuals? For leaders among them? 

For their part, the people needed to serve the Lord faithfully and wholeheartedly, while remembering all he had done for them (v 24). Remembering is an essential element of our discipleship too. Regular communion services help, but that doesn’t remove the onus on all of us to consciously bring to mind what it cost Jesus to keep us in relationship with God and to determine to live in obedience to him daily.

Think back to a time when perhaps you had reason to take these words seriously and thank God for holding on to you.

¹ See note on 1 Sam 8  ² See 1 John 1:9