1 Samuel 12:19-25

19 And all the people said to Samuel, Pray to Jehovah thy God for thy servants, that we die not; for we have added to all our sins the wickedness to ask for ourselves a king.

20 And Samuel said to the people, Fear not: *ye* have done all this wickedness; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, and serve Jehovah with all your heart;

21 and turn ye not aside; for [it would be] after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

22 For Jehovah will not cast away his people for his great name's sake; because it has pleased Jehovah to make you his people.

23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you; and I will teach you the good and right way.

24 Only, fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth, with all your heart; for see how great things he has done for you.

25 But if ye do wickedly, ye shall perish, both ye and your king.

1 Samuel 12:19-25 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]. Lit. 'emptiness:' see Isa. 40.17, &c.
• [b]. Lit. 'with.'