1 Samuel 12:13

KJV

Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, [and] whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore behold the king {H4428} whom ye have chosen {H977}, and whom ye have desired {H7592}! and, behold, the LORD {H3068} hath set {H5414} a king {H4428} over you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, here's the king you have chosen, the one you asked for. See, ADONAI has put a king over you.

Berean Standard Bible

Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.

American Standard Version

Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have asked for: and, behold, Jehovah hath set a king over you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 12:13 stands as a pivotal declaration within Samuel's valedictory address to Israel, serving as a profound statement on national accountability and divine sovereignty. The prophet confronts the people with the tangible outcome of their insistent demand for a monarch, presenting Saul as "the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired." Simultaneously, Samuel underscores the Lord's ultimate authority, affirming that despite their flawed motivations, it was ultimately "the LORD hath set a king over you," thereby acknowledging God's permissive will and ultimate control over the establishment of the monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Samuel's powerful farewell discourse in [1 Samuel 12](/1_samuel/12 "1 Samuel 12 - Samuel's Farewell Address"), a speech delivered after Saul's public confirmation as king following his victory over the Ammonites in [1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul's Victory and Kingship Confirmation"). Having faithfully served as Israel's judge, Samuel uses this momentous occasion to vindicate his own integrity, recount God's steadfast covenant faithfulness throughout Israel's history (from their deliverance from Egypt to the present day), and issue a solemn warning regarding the spiritual implications of their recent demand for a human king. The speech directly follows the people's initial fervent clamor for a monarch in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), which God reluctantly granted. Thus, Samuel's words in [1 Samuel 12:13](/1_samuel/12-13 "1 Samuel 12:13 - Israel's Chosen King") mark a crucial transition from the period of judges to the era of kings, emphasizing the people's direct responsibility for this new governmental structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel's demand for a king, as articulated in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Desire for a King Like Other Nations"), stemmed from a desire to "be like all the nations," reflecting a profound lack of trust in God's unique system of direct rule through judges. This period was characterized by persistent external threats, particularly from the formidable Philistines, which likely intensified their longing for a strong, centralized military leader akin to those seen in surrounding kingdoms. In the ancient Near East, kingship was the prevalent form of governance, often imbued with divine sanction and absolute power. However, Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh meant their monarchy was intended to be distinct, with the king serving as a vice-regent, subject to God's ultimate authority and the Mosaic Law. Samuel's address, therefore, is not merely a historical recapitulation but a profound theological commentary on Israel's deviation from their unique identity and calling as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 12:13](/1_samuel/12-13 "1 Samuel 12:13 - Israel's Chosen King") powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the inherent **tension between human desire and divine will**. Israel's insistence on a king, driven by worldly motives and a rejection of God's direct rule, stands in stark contrast to God's initial preference for a theocratic system. Yet, God's ultimate permission to establish the monarchy powerfully demonstrates His enduring **sovereignty**, even over human choices that are not His ideal. This profound theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God works His purposes through all circumstances, including flawed human decisions, as seen in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - God Directs Our Steps"). Secondly, the passage underscores the **consequences of choice** and the principle of **accountability**. Samuel's words serve as a subtle yet potent warning: while God granted their request, the people would bear the responsibility for the kind of king they chose and the profound implications of that choice for their covenant relationship with God. This sets the crucial stage for the tumultuous reign of Saul and the subsequent development of the Davidic monarchy, which would eventually point to a perfect, divine King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, בָּחַר, _bâchar_):** This verb, derived from H977, signifies a deliberate act of selection, preference, or election. In this context, it powerfully emphasizes Israel's active and intentional role in demanding a king. It highlights their specific and decisive choice to deviate from God's established system of judges, indicating not a passive acceptance but a willed decision on their part to embrace a human monarch.
* **Desired (Hebrew, שָׁאַל, _shâʼal_):** This word, from H7592, means "to inquire," "to request," or "to demand." It conveys the intensity and persistence of Israel's plea for a king. The very name of their first king, Saul (שָׁאוּל, _Sha'ul_), is derived from this root, meaning "asked for" or "desired," underscoring the people's strong, almost insistent, longing for a monarch, which they repeatedly articulated to Samuel.
* **Set (Hebrew, נָתַן, _nâthan_):** This highly versatile primitive root (H5414) means "to give," "to put," "to place," or "to appoint." Here, it denotes God's sovereign action in establishing the kingship. While Israel chose and desired a king, it was the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) who ultimately "gave" or "appointed" Saul over them. This signifies God's ultimate authority and permissive will, demonstrating that even when human choices are flawed, God remains in control and can work through them to further His overarching plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, [and] whom ye have desired!":** Samuel directly addresses the people, holding them acutely accountable for their actions. The powerful repetition of "chosen" and "desired" serves to emphatically underscore the intensity and deliberateness of their demand for a king. This is not a king God unilaterally imposed upon them, but one they actively and persistently sought. The exclamation mark underscores the profound gravity of this moment, as Samuel presents them with the tangible outcome of their insistence, reminding them of their direct responsibility for this new and pivotal era in their national life. It is a moment of stark truth, where their persistent clamor for a human ruler is brought to fruition before their very eyes.
* **"and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.":** Immediately following the acknowledgment of Israel's human choice, Samuel pivots to affirm God's ultimate and unwavering sovereignty. Despite their flawed motivations and their implicit rejection of His direct rule, God, in His wisdom and patience, permitted and established the monarchy. The phrase "the LORD hath set" indicates divine authorization, appointment, and ultimate control. This is a crucial theological statement: even in their disobedience, God remained firmly in control, working His purposes through their choices. He did not abandon them but sovereignly orchestrated the transition, demonstrating His power to use even human sin and folly to advance His broader redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Samuel's address in [1 Samuel 12:13](/1_samuel/12-13 "1 Samuel 12:13 - Israel's Chosen King") masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and multi-layered message. Most notably, there is a striking **Juxtaposition** between human agency and divine sovereignty. The verse explicitly contrasts "the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired" with "the LORD hath set a king over you." This sharp antithesis highlights the inherent tension between Israel's self-willed demand and God's ultimate authority and permissive will, demonstrating that even human choices operate within the bounds of divine decree. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Exclamation**, delivered by Samuel with a tone of solemn declaration, profound warning, and perhaps even a hint of lament. The repeated use of "behold" serves as an impactful **Interjection** and a form of **Anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of clauses), drawing the people's immediate and undivided attention to the undeniable reality of their situation and the direct consequence of their actions, while simultaneously emphasizing God's undeniable hand in the unfolding events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 12:13 is a profound theological statement on the intricate interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. It illustrates that while humanity possesses the freedom to make choices, even those contrary to God's ideal will, God remains ultimately sovereign, capable of working His purposes through all circumstances. Israel's demand for a king was, at its heart, a rejection of God's direct rule and a desire to conform to the surrounding nations. Yet, God, in His wisdom, patience, and overarching plan, accommodated their desire while still maintaining ultimate control over the outcome. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of the monarchy, demonstrating that even when a nation "chooses" a path, God "sets" the parameters and continues to direct history toward His ultimate redemptive goals. It underscores the profound truth that God's plan is never truly thwarted by human decisions, but rather incorporates them into His grand, unfolding design for humanity and creation.

* [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - God Directs Our Steps")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Sets Up and Removes Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 12:13 serves as a timeless and deeply resonant reminder of the profound implications of our desires and choices, and the unwavering, majestic nature of God's sovereignty. It challenges us to honestly and humbly examine the true motivations behind our own "choices" and "desires" in life. Are we, like ancient Israel, seeking worldly solutions, human leaders, or immediate gratification out of impatience, fear, or a desire to conform to societal norms, rather than patiently trusting in God's perfect plan and His direct, providential leadership? While God, in His boundless grace and permissive will, may indeed allow us to walk paths we choose, even those not perfectly aligned with His ideal, this verse subtly but powerfully warns that such choices come with inherent consequences and responsibilities. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility and unwavering submission, diligently seeking God's will above our own preferences, and trusting that His ultimate "setting" is always for our profound good and His eternal glory. Furthermore, it offers immense comfort and spiritual solace: even when we make imperfect choices, or when circumstances beyond our control unfold, God remains firmly on His throne, orchestrating all things for His sovereign purposes. We can rest in the profound truth that His ultimate plan will prevail, regardless of our detours or the world's chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "choose" my own path rather than patiently waiting for God's "setting" or guidance?**
* **What does my desire for control, worldly solutions, or conformity reveal about the depth of my trust in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD hath set" even the king Israel desired, encourage and strengthen me about God's steadfast control over my own circumstances, even those I didn't choose or understand?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow Israel to have a king if it wasn't His ideal plan for them at that time?**

Answer: God's allowance of Israel's demand for a king, despite it being rooted in a rejection of His direct rule and a desire to be "like all the nations," demonstrates His permissive will and His profound ability to work through human choices, even flawed ones, to achieve His ultimate purposes. While God had always intended a future, ideal kingship for His people (as hinted in the laws concerning a king in [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning a King")), the timing and the worldly motivation of Israel's request were problematic. By granting their desire, God allowed them to experience the consequences of their choice, thereby teaching them invaluable lessons about the nature of true leadership, the dangers of human pride, and their absolute dependence on Him. This pivotal moment also set the stage for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, which would ultimately point to the Messiah. God's sovereignty means He can use even human sin and folly to advance His ultimate redemptive purposes, always moving history towards His perfect plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 12:13, with its stark contrast between "the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired" and "the LORD hath set a king over you," finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Israel, in their desire to conform to the surrounding nations, chose an earthly, visible king (Saul) who ultimately proved to be a failure, highlighting humanity's persistent tendency to seek human solutions and earthly leaders rather than embracing God's divinely appointed King. This historical moment foreshadows humanity's inherent inclination to choose its own path. While Israel "desired" a king of their own making, God, in His perfect timing and boundless wisdom, "set" a King who was not of human choosing or popular demand, but of divine election and eternal decree. Jesus is the true King whom the Lord has set over His people, not one chosen by popular acclamation but by divine appointment ([Psalm 2:6](/psalm/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King on Zion")). He is the ultimate Shepherd-King, fundamentally unlike Saul who proved to be a shepherd who scattered the flock. Tragically, the people of Israel, who once desired an earthly king, would later reject the true King of Israel, Jesus, when He came to His own ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")). Yet, it is this very King, rejected and crucified by many, whom God has supremely exalted and given a name above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, 1 Samuel 12:13 not only marks a crucial historical transition in Israel's narrative but prophetically points to the perfect, eternal, and righteous reign of Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whom God Himself has irrevocably appointed to rule over all creation ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 10:24

And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that [there is] none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

Hosea 13:11

I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.

1 Samuel 8:5

And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

Psalms 78:29

So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;

Psalms 78:31

The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen [men] of Israel.

1 Samuel 11:15

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Acts 13:21

And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.