The work of ministers is to reason with people; not only to exhort and direct, but to persuade,
to convince men's judgments, and so to gain their wills and affections. Samuel reasons of the
righteous acts of the Lord. Those who follow God faithfully, he will enable to continue following
him. Disobedience would certainly be the ruin of Israel. We mistake if we think that we can escape
God's justice, by trying to shake off his dominion. If we resolve that God shall not rule us, yet he
will judge us.
Verses 16–25
At Samuel's word, God sent thunder and rain, at a season of the year when, in that country, the
like was not seen. This was to convince them they had done wickedly in asking a king; not only
by its coming at an unusual time, in wheat harvest, and on a clear day, but by the prophet's giving
notice of it before. He showed their folly in desiring a king to save them, rather than God, or Samuel;
promising themselves more from an arm of flesh, than from the arm of God, or from the power of
prayer. Could their prince command such forces as the prophet could do by his prayers? It startled
them very much. Some will not be brought to see their sins by any gentler methods than storms
and thunders. They entreat Samuel to pray for them. Now they see their need of him whom shortly
before they slighted. Thus many who will not have Christ to reign over them, would yet be glad to
have him intercede for them, to turn away the wrath of God. Samuel aims to confirm the people in
their religion. Whatever we make a god of, we shall find it deceive us. Creatures in their own places
are good; but when put in God's place, they are vain things. We sin if we restrain prayer, and in
particular if we cease praying for the church. They only asked him to pray for them; but he promises
to do more, to teach them. He urges that they were bound in gratitude to serve God, considering
what great things he had done for them; and that they were bound in interest to serve him, considering
what he would do against them, if they should still do wickedly. Thus, as a faithful watchman, he
gave them warning, and so delivered his own soul. If we consider what great things the Lord hath
done for us, especially in the great work of redemption, we can neither want motive, encouragement,
nor assistance in serving him.
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
The invasion of the Philistines. (1–7)
Saul sacrifices, He is reproved by Samuel. (8–14)
The policy of the Philistines. (15–23)Verses 1–7
Saul reigned one year, and nothing particular happened; but in his second year the events
recorded in this chapter took place. For above a year he gave the Philistine time to prepare for war,
and to weaken and to disarm the Israelites. When men are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are