TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 12:6–15. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Samuel, having sufficiently secured his own reputation, instead of upbraiding the people upon it with their unkindness to him, sets himself to instruct them, and keep them in the way of their duty, and then the change of the government would be the less damage to them.
I.He reminds them of the great goodness of God to them and to their fathers, gives them an abstract of the history of their nation, that, by the consideration of the great things God had done for them, they might be for ever engaged to love him and serve him. "Come," says he (Sa1 12:7), "stand still, stand in token of reverence when God is speaking to you, stand still in token of attention and composedness of mind, and give me leave to reason with you." Religion has reason on its side, Isa 1:18. 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. Let reason rule men, and they will be good. He reasons of the righteous acts of the Lord, that is, "both the benefits he hath bestowed upon you, in performance of his promises, and the punishments he has inflicted on you for your sins." His favours are called his righteous acts (Jdg 5:11), because in them he is just to his own honour. He not only puts them in mind of what God had done for them in their days, but of what he had done of old, in the days of their fathers, because the present age had the benefit of God's former favours. We may suppose that his discourse was much larger than as here related. 1. he reminds them of their deliverance out of Egypt. Into that house of bondage Jacob and his family came down poor and little; when they were oppressed they cried unto God, who advanced Moses and Aaron, from mean beginnings, to be their deliverers, and the founders of their state and settlement in Canaan, Sa1 12:6, Sa1 12:8. 2. He reminds them of the miseries and calamities which their fathers brought themselves into by forgetting God and serving other gods, Sa1 12:9. They enslaved themselves, for they were sold as criminals and captives into the hand of oppressors. They exposed themselves to the desolation of war, and their neighbours fought against them. 3. He reminds them of their fathers' repentance and humiliation before God for their idolatries: They said, We have sinned, Sa1 12:10. Let not them imitate the sins of their fathers, for what they had done amiss they had many a time wished undone again. In the day of their distress they had sought unto God, and had promised to serve him; let their children then reckon that good at all times which they found good in bad times. 4. He reminds them of the glorious deliverances God had wrought for them, the victories he had blessed them with, and their happy settlements, many a time, after days of trouble and distress, Sa1 12:11. He specifies some of their judges, Gideon and Jephthah, great conquerors in their time; among the rest he mentions Bedan, whom we read not of any where else: he might be some eminent person, that was instrumental of salvation to them, though not recorded in the book of Judges, such a one as Shamgar, of whom it is said that he delivered Israel, but not that he judged them, Jdg 3:31. Perhaps this Bedan guarded and delivered them on one side, at the same time when some other of the judges appeared and acted for them on another side. Some think it was the same with Jair (so the learned Mr. Poole), others the same with Samson, who was Ben Dan, a son of Dan, of that tribe, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him Be-Dan, inn Dan, in the camp of Can. Samuel mentions himself, not to his own praise, but to the honour of God, who had made him an instrument of subduing the Philistines. 5. At last he puts them in mind of God's late favour to the present generation, in gratifying them with a king, when they would prescribe to God by such a one to save them out of the hand of Nahash king of Ammon, Sa1 12:12, Sa1 12:13. Now it appears that this was the immediate occasion of their desiring a king: Nahash threatened them; they desired Samuel to nominate a general; he told them that God was commander-in-chief in all their wars and they needed no other, that what was wanting in them should be made up by his power: The Lord is your king. But they insisted on it, Nay, but a king shall reign over us. "And now," said he, "you have a king, a king of your own asking - let that be spoken to your shame; but a king of God's making - let that be spoken to his honour and the glory of his grace." God did not cast them off, even when they in effect cast him off.
II.He shows them that they are now upon their good behaviour, they and their king.
Let them not think that they had now cut themselves off from all dependence upon God, and that now, having a king of their own, the making of their own fortunes (as men foolishly call it) was in their own hands; no, still their judgment must proceed from the Lord. He tells them plainly,
1.That their obedience to God would certainly be their happiness, Sa1 12:14. If they would not revolt from God to idols, nor rebel against him by breaking his commandments, but would persevere in their allegiance to him, would fear his wrath, serve his interests, and obey his will, then they and their king should certainly be happy; but observe how the promise is expressed: Then you shall continue following the Lord your God; that is, (1.) "You shall continue in the way of your duty to God, which will be your honour and comfort." Note, To those that are sincere in their religion God will give grace to persevere in it: those that follow God faithfully will be divinely strengthened to continue following him. And observe, Following God is a work that is its own wages. It is the matter of a promise as well as of a precept. (2.) "You shall continue under the divine guidance and protection:" You shall be after the Lord, so it is in the original, that is, "he will go before you to lead and prosper you, and make your way plain. The Lord is with you while you are with him."
2.That their disobedience would as certainly be their ruin (Sa1 12:15): "If you rebel, think not that your having a king will secure you against God's judgments, and that having in this instance made yourselves like the nations you may sin at as cheap a rate as they can. No, the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers when they offended him, in the days of the judges." We mistake if we think that we can evade God's justice by shaking off his dominion. If God shall not rule us, yet he will judge us.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Jerobaal and Badan: That is, Gedeon and Samson called here Badan or Bedan, because he was of Dan.
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Summary
1 Samuel 12:11 stands as a pivotal declaration within Samuel's farewell address to the nation of Israel, delivered during their monumental transition from a judgeship to a monarchy. In this profound historical recounting, Samuel reminds the people of God's unwavering faithfulness throughout their tumultuous history, specifically highlighting His consistent pattern of raising up divinely appointed deliverers—such as Jerubbaal (Gideon), Bedan (likely Barak), Jephthah, and Samuel himself—to rescue them from their enemies on every side, ensuring their safety and demonstrating that true security always stemmed from divine intervention, not from human institutions or military might.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded in Samuel's climactic farewell address to Israel, a significant discourse found in 1 Samuel 12. Having just anointed Saul as Israel's first king, Samuel seizes this momentous occasion to vindicate his own integrity, challenge the people's underlying motives for desiring a king, and, most critically, to reassert God's consistent faithfulness despite Israel's frequent spiritual apostasy. He meticulously reviews Israel's history, tracing God's interventions from the Exodus through the turbulent period of the judges, illustrating how God repeatedly delivered them whenever they cried out to Him in distress. 1 Samuel 12:11 functions as a concise yet powerful summary of this recurring divine pattern, immediately preceding Samuel's solemn warning about the dire consequences of disobeying the Lord, even under a monarchy. It serves to establish the foundational theological principle that God's sovereign rule, not a human king, remains the ultimate and indispensable source of Israel's well-being and security.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop to 1 Samuel 12 was characterized by profound societal and spiritual upheaval. Israel had endured prolonged Philistine oppression, and the corrupt leadership of Samuel's own sons had further eroded public trust and national stability. Driven by a desire to conform to surrounding nations and to possess a visible king who could "go out before us and fight our battles" (1 Samuel 8:5), Israel had explicitly rejected God's direct rule through judges. This demand represented a radical shift from a theocratic system, where God functioned as their direct King and raised up charismatic leaders (judges) as needed, to a human monarchy. Samuel's address, including this verse, serves as a poignant and prophetic reminder that God had consistently provided for them, even without a human king, thereby challenging their assumption that a monarchy was the only viable path to national security. The specific mention of judges underscores the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, and divine deliverance that defined the era chronicled in the Book of Judges.
Key Themes
1 Samuel 12:11 powerfully encapsulates several core theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Samuel's address and the broader unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Firstly, it emphatically underscores Divine Faithfulness and Deliverance, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their persistent unfaithfulness. He consistently "sent" deliverers, thereby demonstrating that ultimate rescue and enduring safety originate solely from the Lord, not from human strength, military prowess, or political structures. Secondly, the verse highlights the Sovereignty of God over History, illustrating that God remains in complete control, actively raising up leaders and orchestrating historical events to protect His people and fulfill His divine purposes, irrespective of their challenging circumstances or their chosen form of governance. Thirdly, it vividly reflects the Cycles of Sin, Repentance, and Salvation that are so prominent in the Book of Judges, where Israel's turning away from God inevitably led to oppression, their subsequent cry for help prompted God to send a deliverer (Judges 2:16), and their resulting safety. Finally, the verse subtly yet profoundly points to the Inadequacy of Human Systems when divorced from divine guidance, as Samuel implies that the people's fervent desire for a king inadvertently overlooked God's proven and perfect track record as their ultimate provider of security and well-being.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H3068) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, known as Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. In this verse, attributing the sending of deliverers to "the LORD" emphasizes that the initiative for Israel's salvation comes from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, not from human effort or chance. It underscores His unique identity as the one true God who actively intervenes in history for His people.
The verb (H7971) signifies a deliberate act of dispatching, commissioning, or sending forth with a specific purpose. Here, it highlights God's active involvement and intentional initiative in raising up leaders. The deliverers were not self-appointed or coincidental figures but divinely ordained instruments, underscoring God's sovereign hand in providing for His people's needs.
This word (H5337) means "to snatch away," "to rescue," or "to pull out." It conveys a sense of urgent and powerful intervention, often from danger or oppression. In this context, it emphasizes the completeness and efficacy of God's rescue from their enemies, implying a comprehensive salvation from threatening circumstances. It speaks to God's immense power to liberate His people from seemingly insurmountable odds.
This term (H983) refers to a state of security, trust, or a place of refuge. When combined with "dwelled" (yashab), it denotes a state of peace, freedom from fear, and stable well-being. This "safety" was the desired outcome of God's deliverance, emphasizing that true security and rest for Israel came from His protective hand, a holistic sense of peace and flourishing under God's care.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel"
This opening clause directly attributes the sending of these deliverers to "the LORD," emphatically highlighting divine initiative and sovereignty.
Jerubbaal
This is another name for Gideon (Judges 7:1), meaning "let Baal contend against him," a name he earned after destroying his father's altar to Baal. His inclusion highlights God's power to deliver through unlikely figures and to contend against idolatry.
Bedan
This name is unique to this verse in the Masoretic Text (Hebrew Bible). Many ancient versions and scholars believe it is a textual variant for Barak (Judges 4:6), who, alongside Deborah, delivered Israel from Sisera. If "Barak," it further emphasizes God's use of diverse leaders, including those who initially hesitated. Other suggestions include a variant of "Abdon" or even a reference to Samson's tribe, Dan. The KJV's inclusion of "Bedan" reflects its source text. Regardless of the specific identity, the point is another divinely sent deliverer.
Jephthah
A mighty warrior from Gilead who delivered Israel from the Ammonites (Judges 11:1). His story, though marked by personal tragedy, exemplifies God's willingness to use even flawed individuals to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
Samuel
The prophet and judge himself, humbly including his own pivotal role in delivering Israel from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:13). His inclusion serves as a direct, contemporary example of God's continued faithfulness up to the very moment of his address, lending immediate relevance to his historical review.
"and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side"
This phrase powerfully emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of God's deliverance. "Out of the hand" signifies liberation from the power and control of their adversaries, while "on every side" indicates that the threats Israel faced were widespread and from multiple directions. Yet, God's rescue was complete and encompassing, leaving no flank exposed, thereby highlighting God's omnipotence in providing total security.
"and ye dwelled safe."
This concluding phrase states the ultimate, desired outcome of God's consistent intervention. It signifies a state of profound peace, security, and stability that was a direct result of God's active deliverance. It underscores the profound theological truth that true and lasting safety for Israel came not from their military might or political structures, but solely from their covenant relationship with God and His protective hand.
Literary Devices
Samuel's address in 1 Samuel 12 is rich with rhetorical power, and verse 11 serves as a concentrated example of his masterful use of literary devices. The most prominent device is Enumeration, as Samuel meticulously lists specific judges (Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, Samuel) to provide concrete, undeniable historical evidence of God's consistent faithfulness and active involvement in Israel's past. This list functions as a potent Historical Allusion, drawing upon well-known narratives and figures from the Book of Judges to evoke shared memories and remind the audience of their collective experiences with divine intervention. The powerful repetition of the concept of God "sending" and "delivering" throughout Samuel's speech, and particularly within this verse, serves as a form of Anaphora or Repetition of Theme, effectively reinforcing the central message of God's unwavering provision and active rescue. Furthermore, the vivid phrase "out of the hand of your enemies on every side" is a powerful Idiom that emphasizes the totality and pervasiveness of the threats from which God rescued them, making the divine deliverance seem even more miraculous and complete.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Samuel 12:11 stands as a profound theological statement on God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His active, sovereign role as the ultimate Deliverer of His people. It directly challenges the human tendency, both then and now, to seek security in visible, tangible, and worldly structures (such as a king or military might) rather than placing trust in the invisible, yet ever-present, hand of God. Samuel's meticulous recounting of history emphatically demonstrates that Israel's true salvation, lasting security, and genuine well-being never depended on their own strength, their military prowess, or even the quality of their human leaders, but solely on the Lord's sovereign initiative to "send" help when they cried out in distress. This verse underscores the immutable biblical truth that God is not merely a distant observer but an intimately engaged, compassionate Father who intervenes decisively on behalf of His children, even when they are undeserving or unfaithful. It is a powerful testament to His steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed) and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, regardless of human performance.
Reflection and Application
1 Samuel 12:11 offers a timeless message of profound hope and serves as a powerful corrective for our own often misplaced trust. Just as ancient Israel sought security in the visible institution of a king, we too frequently look to human systems, financial stability, political leaders, personal accomplishments, or even self-reliance for our ultimate safety and peace. This verse serves as a potent reminder that true deliverance, lasting security, and genuine well-being come only from the Lord. It calls us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust truly lies. When we face spiritual battles, personal anxieties, economic uncertainties, relational conflicts, or any form of oppression, this passage encourages us to remember God's historical faithfulness. He is the very same God who "sent" deliverers in the past, and He continues to be our ultimate Rescuer "on every side." We are invited to cast our anxieties upon Him, confident that He cares for us and will provide the safety and peace that only His sovereign hand can secure. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that God often chooses to use ordinary people—like the judges listed—to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, thereby calling us to be available and willing instruments in His hands for the deliverance and blessing of others.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Samuel list these specific judges, and who is "Bedan"?
Samuel's selection of these judges is highly strategic, representing different periods and types of deliverance in Israel's history, thereby reinforcing God's consistent pattern of intervention. Jerubbaal, better known as Gideon, represents a deliverer who, empowered by God, overcame overwhelming odds and confronted idolatry (Judges 7:21). Jephthah represents deliverance from the Ammonites, highlighting God's willingness to use even flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes (Judges 11:1). Samuel himself is included as the most recent and direct example of God's continued deliverance through his own leadership against the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:13). The name "Bedan" is a point of scholarly discussion. While the King James Version and the Masoretic Text include "Bedan," many ancient manuscripts, including the Septuagint, read "Barak." Barak, alongside Deborah, delivered Israel from Sisera (Judges 4:4). Given the context of listing prominent judges, "Barak" fits the pattern more seamlessly. Regardless of the specific identity of "Bedan," the overarching point remains clear: God consistently raised up deliverers throughout Israel's history in response to their cries.
What is the significance of Samuel including himself in the list of deliverers?
Samuel's inclusion of himself in this esteemed list is a humble yet profoundly powerful rhetorical device. It serves to validate his own prophetic and judicial ministry, reminding the people that God's pattern of raising up deliverers continued right up to their present moment. By placing himself alongside legendary figures like Gideon and Jephthah, Samuel implicitly asserts that his leadership was also divinely ordained and effective in bringing deliverance (1 Samuel 7:13). It reinforces his central argument that God had always been sufficient for them, even without a human king, and that their desire for a monarchy was, in essence, a rejection of God's proven method of providing for them. This personal inclusion adds a direct and contemporary weight to his historical review, making his theological point resonate more deeply with his immediate audience.
How does this verse relate to Israel's desire for a king?
This verse is absolutely central to Samuel's argument against Israel's demand for a king. The people desired a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5) to fight their battles and provide security. Samuel's comprehensive historical review, culminating in 1 Samuel 12:11, directly counters this human-centric rationale. He meticulously demonstrates that God had always provided deliverance and safety for them, through His direct intervention and by raising up judges, even when they were unfaithful. The profound implication is that a human king was ultimately unnecessary because God Himself was their ultimate King and Deliverer. Their demand for a human king was, therefore, not merely a pragmatic solution but a profound rejection of God's proven faithfulness and a dangerous shift from trusting in divine provision to relying on fallible human institutions. Samuel uses this historical pattern to warn them that even with a king, their well-being and security would still depend entirely on their obedience to the Lord (1 Samuel 12:14-15).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The consistent pattern of God "sending" deliverers as recounted in 1 Samuel 12:11 finds its ultimate, perfect, and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The judges, though divinely appointed and instrumental in their time, were inherently temporary, flawed, and limited in their ability to bring lasting peace or to address the fundamental human problem of sin. They served as powerful types and shadows, foreshadowing the advent of the perfect Deliverer. Just as God "sent" Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel to rescue Israel from physical enemies and temporal oppression, He ultimately, in the fullness of time, "sent" His beloved Son, Jesus, into the world to deliver humanity from the far greater and more pervasive enemies of sin, death, and the destructive power of darkness (John 3:17). Jesus is the true and eternal King, unlike the earthly kings Israel desired, whose reign brings everlasting righteousness, justice, and peace that knows no end (Isaiah 9:6-7). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), whose singular, perfect sacrifice brings not just temporary relief but eternal salvation and complete reconciliation with God (Hebrews 9:11-14). Through Christ, we are definitively delivered "out of the hand of our enemies on every side"—spiritual enemies that no human judge or king could ever conquer—and are enabled to "dwell safe" in Him, enjoying an eternal security and profound peace that transcends any earthly circumstance or threat (Colossians 1:13-14). He is the Deliverer for all time, and His finished work of salvation is complete, perfect, and everlasting.