There have been many famous farewell addresses. None in American history is more significant than that of George Washington who, when leaving the presidency, appealed to his countrymen to avoid debt, regional squabbles, and foreign entanglements. There are also famous farewells in the Bible including Moses and Joshua in the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament (II Tim. 4).
I Samuel 12 contains Samuel's farewell address to Israel. While Samuel is not leaving public life all together, his speech marks the end of the era of the judges as he hands power over to King Saul. The point of his speech is to call Israel to faithfulness to the covenant. Though they have sinned against the LORD by seeking a king to deliver them, the LORD will bless them and their king if they wholeheartedly serve Him. The church, like Israel is prone to wander from God who is gracious to work out His purposes in our lives in spite of our sins and failures.
Samuel by his exemplary life, his persistent intercession, and his teaching is a model for all spiritual leaders. However, Christ is our true prophet, priest and king who perfectly intercedes for us and instructs us. |
