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The Beginning of the End
that without God’s special blessing all their efforts would have been
in vain. Some proposed putting to death those who had refused at
first to acknowledge the authority of Saul, but the king interfered,
saying, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord
has accomplished salvation in Israel.” Instead of taking honor to
himself, he gave the glory to God. Instead of showing revenge, he
modeled forgiveness. This is unmistakable evidence that the grace
of God dwells in the heart.
Samuel now proposed that they call a national assembly at Gilgal
to publicly confirm the kingdom to Saul. It was done, and “there
they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord, and there
Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.”
On this plain, linked with so many exciting associations, stood
Samuel and Saul; and when the shouts of welcome to the king had
died away, the old prophet gave his parting words as ruler of the
nation.
Samuel had previously explained the principles that should gov-
ern both the king and the people, and he wanted to add the weight
of his own example to his words. From childhood he had been
connected with the work of God, and during his long life he had
always had one objective—the glory of God and the highest good of
Israel.
As a result of sin Israel had lost their faith in God and their belief
in His power and wisdom to rule the nation; they had lost confidence
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in His ability to support His cause. Before they could find true peace,
they must see and confess the sin of which they were guilty.
Samuel reviewed the history of Israel from the day God brought
them from Egypt. The King of kings had fought their battles. Often
their sins had brought them under the power of their enemies, but no
sooner did they turn from their evil ways than God’s mercy raised
up a deliverer. The Lord sent Gideon and Barak, and “Jephthah, and
Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every
side; and you dwelt in safety.” Yet when threatened with danger they
had declared, “A king shall reign over us,” when, said the prophet,
“the Lord your God was your king.”
In humiliation the people now confessed their sin, the very sin
of which they had been guilty. “Pray for your servants to the Lord