Keraia
1 Samuel 12

1 Samuel 12:10

Samuel’s Farewell Address · 1 Samuel 12:1–25
Read 1 Samuel 12

Translations

Modern
Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’
Traditional
And they cried unto the Lord, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.
Literal
And they cried out to YHWH and said, ‘We have sinned, because we have forsaken YHWH and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. Now snatch us up from the hand of our enemies, and we will serve You.’
Latin
Postea autem clamaverunt ad Dominum, et dixerunt: Peccavimus, quia dereliquimus Dominum, et servivimus Baalim et Astaroth: nunc ergo erue nos de manu inimicorum nostrorum, et serviemus tibi.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’

Notes

1 Samuel 12:10

  • Then they cried out to the LORD: Sometimes suffering is what turns people’s hearts toward God. During the time of the judges, Israel often went through cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and rescue.

  • Baals and Ashtoreths: When people turn away from God, they often turn to idols (see 1 Samuel 7:3; Judges 2:13; 10:6).

  • Thinking that God must rescue us if we worship him turns worship into a cheap deal, where God must act to please someone. God deserves obedience and worship because he is God, not for the favors he can do.

1 Samuel 12:6–25

In 1 Samuel 12:1–5, Samuel examined himself and was found innocent. In 1 Samuel 12:6–25, he examined the nation and found it guilty.

1 Samuel 12:1–25

The confirmation of Saul as king at Gilgal was the last step in making him king (1 Samuel 11:12–15). It was also a suitable time for Samuel to give his farewell speech as Israel's leader.

Theme notes and profiles

Samuel

Events

People

Ashtaroth: A Canaanite goddess of fertility and war Baal: Canaanite god, "Lord/God of the Covenant"

Glossary

Bethel (Place), Bethelite Heshbon Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Ashtoreth: Worshiped by Israelites Enemies: Pray for Deliverance From Forsaking God: Children of Israel Prayer: Answered: Sisera Prayer: Confession In