In the furious battle which followed, the Am'mon-ites were badly beaten, many of them were slain, and those who escaped death were so confused that not even two of them could be found together.
Now that Saul's military courage and skill had been fully proved, the people of Is'ra-el shouted in honor of their new king. He was given a great public ovation, and his loyal subjects demanded that those who had spoken contemptuously of him should be brought forth and put to death. In reply to the demand for vengeance upon his enemies, Saul showed a fine spirit of self-control and forgiveness. He declared, "There shall not a man be put to death this day, for today the LORD hath set his people free from their enemies." In this victory over self and in his acknowledgment of the LORD'S power, Saul showed his fitness to be a king more convincingly than he had in the defeat of the Am'mon-ites. The tragedy of his life, as we shall learn in future chapters, is that he did not live up to the nobility and piety of these early days of his reign.
At the invitation of Sam'u-el, the people gathered for a great religious celebration at Gil'gal in the Jor'dan valley. Burnt offerings were made to the LORD, and all the people joint in giving Saul a vote of confidence. Sam'u-el announced his resignation as civil ruler over the nation, but declared his intention to continue as their spiritual adviser.
In his farewell address as ruler, Sam'u-el recalled his faithfulness during the long years of his service, reminding the people that he had ruled justly, had wronged or defrauded no one, had never accepted a bribe, or oppressed the people in any way. There was a note of sorrow in his remarks, for it was hard to give way to another ruler, but he did not complain. To all his claims the people readily agreed. There was not a single blot on his entire life, and the people did not blame him for the weakness and sins of his two sons.
Sam'u-el also reviewed GOD'S past favors upon the nation, and called attention to the truth that all their past misfortunes and periods of oppression by heathen nations had been sent by the LORD, because of their idolatry and sinful association with heathen people. With great devotion to the nation which he loved, he urged perfect loyalty to GOD. They were setting up a new government, and there would come many temptations to turn away from for their unseen RULER. He stressed the fact that both king and people must continue to recognize GOD as their chief RULER, that the Laws of GOD must remain supreme in the land, and that the conduct of both civil affairs and warfare must be carried forward under Divine guidance.
Solemn warnings were given by the prophet against the tendency to lean upon their own understanding and to depend upon their earthly king, instead of relying upon the wisdom and power of GOD. The people were assured that, even though they had acted in an unworthy and unbelieving manner in demanding a king, the LORD would give them continued security and progress for as long as they remained faithful to HIS Commandments.
The address closed with a glorious climax as Sam'u-el said:
"Moreover, as for me, GOD forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for
you, but I will teach you the good and right way. Only fear the LORD, and serve HIM in truth
with all your heart; for consider how great things HE hath done for you. But if you shall still
do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you and your king."
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