1 Samuel 12
John Chrysostom · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
1 Samuel 12:3-5
For Samuel also put together a high panegyric upon himself, when he anointed Saul, saying, "Whose ass have I taken, or calf, or shoes? Or have I oppressed any of you?" And yet no one finds fault with him. And the reason is because he did not say it by way of setting off himself, but because he was going to appoint a king, he wishes under the form of a defense [of himself] to instruct him to be meek and gentle.… But when he saw that they [the people] would not be hindered by any of these things [the ways of the king] but were incurably distempered, he thus both spared them and composed their king to gentleness. Therefore he also takes him to witness. For indeed no one was then bringing suit or charge against Saul that he needed to defend himself, but Samuel said those things in order to make him better. And therefore also he added, to take down his pride, "If you will listen, you and your king," such and such good things shall be yours, "but if you will not listen, then the reverse of all." — HOMILIES ON 2 CORINTHIANS 24.3
1 Samuel 12:23
For he who loves Christ also loves his flock.… David in this way came to be king, having been seen first to be affectionately-minded toward them. So much indeed, though yet young, did he grieve for the people, as to risk his life for them, when he killed that barbarian. … And Samuel too was very affectionate; when it was that he said, "But God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray to the Lord for you." In like way Paul also, or rather not in like way but even in a far greater degree, burned toward all his subjects. — HOMILIES ON ROMANS 29
1 Samuel 12:23
What did Samuel profit Saul? Did he not mourn for him even to his last day, and not merely pray for him only? What did he profit the Israelites? Did he not say, "God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you"? Did they not all perish? Do prayers then, you say, profit nothing? They profit even greatly: but it is when we also do something. For prayers indeed cooperate and assist, but a man cooperates with one that is operating and assists one that is himself also working. But if you remain idle, you will receive no great benefit. — HOMILIES ON 1 THESSALONIANS 1