Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 12:23

"Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way." — 1 Samuel 12:23 (ASV)

Moreover, as for me. — “In this he sets a glorious example to all rulers, showing them that they should not be led astray by the ingratitude of their subordinates or subjects; nor should they, on that account, give up all interest in their welfare, but should rather persevere all the more in their concern for them.” — Berleb. Bible, quoted in Lange.

Moses and Samuel, wrote St. Gregory, are especially brought forward by the Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:1) as having extraordinary power with God, and why? Because they prayed for their enemies. Samuel’s impassioned answer, when the Elders asked for his prayers, was, “Pray for you! God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.”

I will teach you. — The old man felt that in the future, although his powers as Judge were not yet abrogated, there would be, comparatively speaking, except on special occasions, little opportunity for their exercise. In the presence of the regular authority of a king surrounded by armed men, such authority as he had wielded as Judge over the hearts of Israel must fall into abeyance.

But one office, and that a still higher one, still remained to him, untouched by the great constitutional change that had passed over Israel—that of prophet. In this sphere, while he lived, he said he would work ceaselessly. The words he used on this solemn occasion declare to all ages that the true function of the prophet, or the preacher of the Eternal, is to teach the people the good and the right way. Samuel’s own life of brave self-denial and noble self-effacement showed people that this teaching must be pressed home by something more than mere words.

“Only a Samuel could thus quit office, proudly challenging all to convict him of one single injustice in his past career, and by the act of resignation gaining, not losing, greatness.”

“No longer judge and ruler, but simple prophet, he is able now to discourse with greater freedom on the monarchy about to be introduced, and he seizes the moment to cast a more distant glance into all the past and future of the community.” — Ewald: History of Israel, Book III., 1-3.