1. Both you and your king must obey God

(1-15)

Samuel was now old. He had the people witness that he had never mistreated them. He reminded them of the mighty works the Lord had done to make them his people, called by his name. It had been their history to turn after other gods, then call on the Lord to save them, He never failed to deliver them. Though Samuel knew their request for a king was actually their rejection of the Lord as their king, he prayed and did as they asked. Now they must fear and obey God-both the people and their king.

2. For the sake of his great name (16-25)

God sent a severe and unseasonable thunderstorm to reinforce Samuel's words, and the people were terrified. They asked Samuel to pray for them. Samuel served the people to the end. God is faithful. He would not reject his people, not because they could refrain from idol worship, but in order to honor his own great name.