The nation had lost the founder and president of its sacred schools, but that was not all. It had lost him to whom the people had been accustomed to go with their great troubles--lost one who had constantly interceded with God in behalf of the best interests of its people. The intercession of Samuel had given a feeling of security; for "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16. The people felt now that God was forsaking them. The king seemed little less than a madman. Justice was perverted, and order was turned to confusion. 664

Folket havde mistet grundlæggeren og lederen af profetskolerne, men det var ikke alt. De havde mistet den mand, som de plejede at henvende sig til med deres store problemer, ham, der altid havde folkets bedste i tanke og bestandig gik i forbøn for dem hos Gud. De følte sig trygge, når Samuel gik i forbøn for dem, for "en retfærdigs bøn har en mægtig virkende kraft" Jak. 5, 16. Folket havde en følelse af, at Gud var ved at forlade dem. Kongen var næsten sindssyg, og der var hverken lov eller orden i landet.