Memory Verse: Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: I Samuel 12:23 KJV

The Israelites made their royal bed in the previous lesson.  The were granted a king according to their request. While they may have thought they were for a bed of roses, Samuel let them know that they were not to use God’s permissive will as a license to forget Him. They were not to serve other gods now that they have a model king.

14 If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: 15 But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. I Samuel 12:14-15 KJV

Samuel reminded the people of their ungratefulness when God himself reigned over them. Then, they asked Samuel to pray for them that God would spare them in His anger (I Samuel 12:19).

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: I Samuel 12:23 KJV

Samuel was a man of character. The Bible instructs you to pray for your enemies. How many prayers have you uttered for those who have slandered your name, or blasphemed your God? The disobedience of the Israelites was in opposition to God. Samuel spoke God’s admonitions directly to the people. They would not obey. Samuel could have repented of his calling to judge the people. He could have refused to pray for them. Samuel said however that he would not sin against God – not even when he was provoked by the people.

God had given the Israelites a choice. They would not heap evil upon their sin if they did not fail to follow God from then on. It would not be long however, before their chosen king would let his new-found power get the best of him.

13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. I Samuel 13:13-14 KJV