提要
亞捫人對基列雅比人的威脅給掃羅一個機會證明他的領導能力。掃羅懷著義憤和聖靈所賜的能力，召聚了以色列的聯軍擊敗敵人亞捫。掃羅正確的將這場大勝的榮耀歸給上帝。因為那是上帝施行拯救的快樂日，掃羅也對那些先前侮辱他、反對他的人施憐憫，未將他們處死（11：13）。在掃羅領導下的第一場勝利，使以色列人確信他是上帝所選立的王，眾民的認可也為將來更多的勝利舖路。
藉著這次以色列人因作戰集合在一起的機會，撒母耳將他們召聚到吉甲，以色列人在那裡重新確認他們先前在米斯巴的決定，擁戴掃羅為王（10：24），接著並舉行一場喜樂的加冕禮（11：15）。掃羅現在是一致公認的領導人，得著全國上下的支持。現在也是忠心的士師，撒母耳退位的時候了。
撒母耳在他的告別演說中提醒百姓，在他作士師的年日中，他是如何誠實、無私的服事他們。撒母耳也不忘再次責備以色列人要求立王的罪過，並讓他們很清楚的明白，至高的上帝仍然統管全以色列人，以及他們的新王。撒母耳提醒他們，過去每當以色列人悔改他們的罪、回轉歸向上帝，上帝就藉著祂所揀選的領袖拯救以色列人。撒母耳對以色列人說這些話是為了鼓勵他們繼續順服上帝，因為惟有如此，他們的國家才能蒙福，上帝也會繼續藉著所膏的王賜給他們拯救。同樣的，當我們存悔改的心呼求上帝，並順服祂，祂就會透過祂的兒子──受膏的王耶穌──賜給我們救恩和得勝的生活。 撒母耳為了強調他話語的真實性，特祈求上帝降下雷雨作證（雷雨在收割季──約五月底──是極不尋常的現象）。這個神蹟帶給以色列民很大的震撼，使他們更加尊敬上帝和撒母耳，也帶出他們衷心的悔改。
撒母耳正式從他的職位上退休，不過，令百姓放心的是，撒母耳向他們保證他絕不會停止為以色列民禱告，也必繼續「以善道、正路」指教他們（12：23）。這是一位真領袖高貴人格的表現。雖然撒母耳不再作他們正式的領袖，但他仍然關懷他們的福祉，並繼續用他所知道最好的方式──為他們禱告、教導他們關於上帝的事──忠心的服事這個國家。同樣的，一個真正的福音使者雖然會到達退休的年齡，但他絕不會停止禱告及為耶穌作見證。撒母耳甚至認為不禱告是罪（12：22）。但願所有上帝的百姓都有這種相同的靈和動機與上帝相交，為他人代求，並使上帝得榮耀！
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Overview
The threat of Nahash the Ammonite upon the people of Jabesh Gilead gave occasion for Saul to assert his leadership for the first time. With righteous indignation and the Spirit of the Lord empowering him, he rallied together a unified Israelite army and brought deliverance from the Ammonite enemies. Saul rightly gave the glory to God for this great victory and, because it was a time of rejoicing in the Lord's salvation, he showed mercy upon those who had insulted and opposed him by not putting them to death (11:13). This first victory under Saul's kingship gave all Israel confidence in his divine appointment, paving the way for more victories to follow.
While all Israel was gathered together, Samuel took the opportunity to call them to Gilgal where they unanimously reconfirmed Saul's kingship that had previously been decided upon at Mi^>ah (10:24). They followed a joyous official coronation ceremony (11:15). Saul was now the undisputed leader of the nation and had total support. It was time for Samuel, the faithful judge, to step down from his role as Israel's leader.
In his final address, Samuel reminded the people of his honest and unselfish service to them during his years as judge. He once again rebuked them for their wickedness in requesting a king, and made it clear that God was still to reign supremely over all Israel and over the new king as well. Samuel also reminded them of how God had brought salvation through His chosen leaders in the past, coming only when the Israelites had repented of their sin and turned back to God. He spoke these words in order to encourage them to keep on in obedience to God, for only then would they see national blessing and continue to see God's deliverance, through the anointed king. Likewise, when we cry out to God in repentance and live in obedience to Him, He grants us salvation, deliverance, and a victorious life through His Son, the anointed King Jesus.
To underscore the truth of his words, Samuel called upon God to send thunder and rain, which in that land was (and still is) extremely unusual at the harvest time (around the end of May). This miraculous phenomenon deeply affected the people, causing them to have greater respect for God and Samuel as well as bringing about heartfelt repentance.
Samuel officially resigned from his post, yet, much to the people's relief, he reassured them he would not stop interceding in prayer for them, nor cease to teach them "the good and the right way" (12:23). This is a sign of a noble character and a true leader. Although he was no longer their official leader, Samuel was concerned for their welfare and would continue to be faithful in serving the nation in the best way he knew how — to pray and teach them about God. Similarly, a true minister of the Gospel, though he may have reached the age of retirement, will never cease praying and witnessing about Jesus. Samuel even considered it a sin not to pray (12:22). Would that all God's people have this same spirit and motivation to commune with God, interceding on behalf of others and bringing glory to Him!
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