1 Samuel 12:9-19

9 But they forgot the LORD their God; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hatzor, and into the hand of the Pelishtim, and into the hand of the king of Mo'av; and they fought against them.

10 They cried to the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served the Ba`alim and the `Ashtarot: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.

11 The LORD sent Yerubba`al, and Bedan, and Yiftach, and Shemu'el, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety.

12 When you saw that Nachash the king of the children of `Ammon came against you, you said to me, No, but a king shall reign over us; when the LORD your God was your king.

13 Now therefore see the king whom you have chosen, and whom you have asked for: and, behold, the LORD has set a king over you.

14 If you will fear the LORD, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not rebel against the mitzvah of the LORD, and both you and also the king who reigns over you are followers of the LORD your God, [well]:

15 but if you will not listen to the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the mitzvah of the LORD, then will the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.

16 Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

17 Isn't it wheat harvest today? I will call to the LORD, that he may send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.

18 So Shemu'el called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Shemu'el.

19 All the people said to Shemu'el, Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

1 Samuel 12:9-19 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.