Day 107: Samuel's Speech

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 55.

I. 1 Samuel 11 recounts Saul's first great public victory as king. Led by Saul, Israel defeats the Ammonites. Some wanted to execute those who had opposed Saul as king, but he showed them mercy. Finally, Samuel called all the people to Gilgal to reaffirm Saul as king and to rejoice in the Lord.

In the next chapter, Samuel gives a farewell address to Israel as he hands over political leadership to Saul as the new king. He remains a prophet of God, but is no longer a Judge over Israel. In his address, Samuel recounts Israel's history, calls them to repentance, warns them about rejecting God's kingship, and finally encourages them to remain faithful.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

God has always taken care of his people in their need, but now they want a king like other nations. While this is not what God wants - he himself wants to be their King - he grants their request due to the hardness of their hearts. Similarly, God permits all of the battles Israel needs to fight, although this is not part of his original plan. God's call is always "higher," but he sometimes allows us to stay "lower" if we choose. It is better to set our minds and hearts "on the heights" - on God's will for our lives. Through Samuel, the Lord promises that he will bless the people only if both they and their king are faithful to him. (p. 230)

At this point, I feel like there should be that music from the movies that clues one in to bad things coming shortly.

II. Psalm 55 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed): 

A lament psalm. The speaker is distressed by corrupt judges who deal in lies and lead their victims to death. He utters several imprecations, pleading with God to hold them accountable for their crimes and to halt their abuse of power. In the end, he is confident that God will give the righteous and the wicked what they deserve. (p. 878)

That's it for today!