1 Samuel 12:23

“Moreover, as for me, etc.] As he had given them reason to believe that God would forgive their sin, by which they had offended him, rejecting him as their King, so he likewise forgave their offence against him in rejecting him as their governor under him, and so neither need fear the Lord nor him with a servile fear; and as God would still be gracious to them, if they abode by his service, so he, Samuel, would do all the good offices for them that lay in his power: God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you; for since they had returned to the Lord, and acknowledged their sin, it would have been an evil in him not to pray for them, that they might share in the…”

“12:23 I will continue to teach you: Samuel was both intercessor and educator. • Although this address marked the end of Samuel’s political leadership, he continued his spiritual ministry for some time (e.g., 19:24).”

“God forbid: Act 12:5; Rom 1:9; Col 1:9; Th1 3:10; Ti2 1:3 in ceasing: Heb. from ceasing I will teach: Psa 34:11; Pro 4:11; Ecc 12:10; Act 20:20; Col 1:28 the good: Kg1 8:36; Ch2 6:27; Jer 6:16 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 12:24”

“Samuel then promised the people his constant intercession: "Far be it from me to sin against the Lord, that I should cease to pray for you, and to instruct you in the good and right way," i.e., to work as prophet for your good. "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, and give up on that account all interest in their welfare, but should rather persevere all the more in their anxiety for them" (Berleb. Bible). 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 12:24”