1 Samuel 12:20-25

20 Samuel replied, "Don't be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don't turn away from following the Lord. Instead, worship the Lord with all your heart.

21 Don't turn away to follow worthless^[a] things that can't profit or deliver you; they are worthless.^[b]

22 The Lord will not abandon His people,^[c] because of His great name and because He has determined to make you His own people.^[d]

23 "As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.^[e] I will teach you the good and right way.

24 Above all, fear the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you.^[f]

25 However, if you continue to do what is evil, both you and your king will be swept away."^[g]

1 Samuel 12:20-25 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 12

In this chapter Samuel, resigning the government to Saul, asserts the integrity with which he had performed his office, and calls upon the people of Israel to attest it, who did, 1Sa 12:1-5, he then reminds them of the great and good things the Lord had done for them in times past, 1Sa 12:6-11 and whereas they had desired a king, and one was given them, it was their interest to fear and serve the Lord; if not, his hand would be against them, 1Sa 12:10-15 he terrifies them by calling for thunder in an unusual time, 1Sa 12:16-19 and then comforts and encourages them, that in doing their duty God would be with them, and not forsake them, otherwise they might expect nothing but ruin and destruction, 1Sa 12:20-25.

Footnotes

• [a] LXX reads away after empty
• [b] Isa 44:9-20; Jr 2:8,11; Hab 2:18
• [c] Jos 7:9; Ezk 36:22-28
• [d] Dt 7:6-9; 1 Pt 2:9
• [e] 1 Sm 7:5-9; Nm 21:7; Rm 1:9-10
• [f] Dt 10:21; Ps 103:2-14
• [g] 2 Kg 17:6-7