Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:1-14:15, Samuel powerfully proclaims a message of judgment and promise to Israel, especially God's promise of forgiveness!He gives an historical account of the Lord's continuing care, recalling the cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, and silence. Israel's basic sin was that they "forgot the LORD." Yet God never forgot them. Samuel's role as judge will cease, but he will continue to be the voice of God in his prophetic role, as he intercedes for them and instructs them in the ways of the Lord. Details are lacking in the account of Saul's reign, but this does not compromise Biblical doctrine. Encounters with the Philistines dominate his reign. Because of Saul's act of disobedience and lack of faith, he will lose his kingdom and lose God's help against the Philistines. Given the rising tension, Jonathan, Saul's son, wanted to survey the enemy forces, but without his father's knowledge. Jonathan was fully equipped for battle. We pick up in chapter 14 next week.