1 Samuel 12:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore {H1571} stand {H3320} and see {H7200} this great {H1419} thing {H1697}, which the LORD {H3068} will do {H6213} before your eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now therefore, hold still; and see the great deed which ADONAI will perform before your very eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 12:16, the prophet Samuel issues a solemn and imperative command to the assembled Israelites, urging them to "stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes." This declaration serves as a dramatic prelude to a miraculous divine demonstration—thunder and rain during the dry wheat harvest—intended to underscore the gravity of Israel's decision to reject God's direct rule in favor of a human king, validate Samuel's prophetic authority, and call the nation back to a renewed fear and obedience to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Samuel's farewell address to the nation of Israel, delivered after they have insisted on having a king, thereby rejecting God's direct rule over them, as recounted in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Lament Over Israel's Rejection"). Having just crowned Saul as their first monarch, Samuel uses this solemn occasion to vindicate his own integrity and blameless service to the nation, as detailed in [1 Samuel 12:3-5](/1_samuel/12-3-5 "1 Samuel 12:3-5 - Samuel's Integrity Vindicated"), and to warn the people about the severe consequences of forsaking the LORD. To drive his message home and provide an undeniable sign of God's displeasure and continued sovereignty, Samuel prepares to call upon God for a miraculous sign, specifically thunder and rain during the dry wheat harvest season, an event highly unusual and indicative of direct divine intervention, which immediately follows in [1 Samuel 12:17-18](/1_samuel/12-17-18 "1 Samuel 12:17-18 - The Sign of Thunder and Rain").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the transition period in Israel from a theocracy governed by judges to a monarchy. Israel's desire for a king was rooted in their wish to be "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")), a direct violation of the spirit of the Mosaic covenant which set them apart as God's unique people. The specific sign of thunder and rain during the wheat harvest (typically May-June) was culturally significant because this was the driest part of the year, making such precipitation an extraordinary, unnatural event. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, control over weather phenomena was often attributed to deities, and a prophet's ability to command such an event was irrefutable proof of his divine backing and the power of his God. This dramatic display served to dismantle any lingering pagan influences or reliance on Baal, a Canaanite storm god, and to reassert the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, preparing the people for an undeniable display of God's power and His displeasure with their demand for a king, even as He grants it. This "great thing" is not merely a wonder but a sign of God's active involvement in human affairs and His ultimate authority over creation and nations. Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Authority and Vindication**. Samuel's ability to call upon God for such a specific and immediate sign validates his role as God's true prophet and spokesman, confirming that his warnings and words are indeed from the Lord. Even as his judicial era concludes, his prophetic voice remains potent and divinely backed, as seen in his earlier pronouncements in [1 Samuel 7:13](/1_samuel/7-13 "1 Samuel 7:13 - Philistines Subdued by God"). Thirdly, the command to "stand and see" functions as a **Call to Attention and Observation**. It is an imperative for the people to pay close attention, urging them to be active observers of God's work, not passive spectators, so they might fully comprehend the significance of what is about to transpire before their very eyes, leading to repentance and a renewed commitment to the covenant, echoing the call to "consider how great things He has done for you" in [1 Samuel 12:24](/1_samuel/12-24 "1 Samuel 12:24 - Fear the Lord and Serve Him Faithfully").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stand (Hebrew, _yâtsab'_):** From H3320, this imperative verb signifies more than merely being on one's feet. It implies taking a posture of readiness, attention, and firm resolve, often used for presenting oneself or taking a stand. Samuel is not inviting casual observation but demanding a focused, intentional posture of presence and receptivity to what God is about to do. It suggests a call to cease all other activity and fully engage with the divine revelation, to "stand fast" or "stand up" in anticipation.
* **See (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, while literally meaning "to see with the eyes," _rāʾāh_ often carries a deeper connotation of perceiving, understanding, or experiencing. It's not just about visual perception but about comprehending the significance and implications of what is witnessed. Samuel is calling them to not only observe the physical phenomenon but to grasp its spiritual meaning—God's power, His displeasure, and His continued sovereignty, urging them to "discern" and "take heed."
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, this adjective is highly significant, meaning "great (in any sense)," "mighty," "awesome," or "magnificent." Applied to the "thing" (dâbâr) God will do, it elevates the impending event beyond a mere trick or natural occurrence, emphasizing its divine origin and extraordinary nature. It points to a deed of immense spiritual and physical impact, designed to instill awe and fear of the LORD, underscoring the magnitude of God's power and the seriousness of their sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore stand and see":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn and urgent command from Samuel, acting as God's prophet. The "Now therefore" (H1571, _gam_) connects back to Samuel's preceding discourse, which has laid out Israel's history of disobedience and God's faithfulness, serving as a logical conclusion to his argument. The dual imperatives "stand" (H3320, _yâtsab_) and "see" (H7200, _râʼāh_) demand the Israelites' full, undivided attention and active observation. They are called to position themselves both physically and mentally to witness a profound divine act, emphasizing that this is not a casual event but a moment of critical revelation.
* **"this great thing":** This refers specifically to the miraculous sign Samuel is about to call down from heaven: thunder and rain during the dry wheat harvest season (as described in [1 Samuel 12:17-18](/1_samuel/12-17-18 "1 Samuel 12:17-18 - The Miraculous Sign")). It is a powerful, undeniable demonstration of God's power over creation and His direct intervention in human affairs. The term "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) and "thing" (H1697, _dâbâr_) highlights its extraordinary, supernatural nature, designed to instill awe and fear of the Lord.
* **"which the LORD will do before your eyes":** This clause explicitly attributes the impending miracle to Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel, not to Samuel's own power. It emphasizes divine agency (H6213, _ʻâsâh_, "will do") and the public, undeniable nature of the event. The phrase "before your eyes" (H5869, _ʻayin_) ensures that the miracle is witnessed by the entire assembly, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation regarding its divine origin and purpose. It is a direct, visible manifestation of God's presence and power, intended to bring conviction and repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Samuel's command in this verse is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("stand and see"), which conveys urgency, authority, and a direct call to action, demanding the Israelites' immediate and full attention. This serves to heighten the dramatic tension before the impending divine manifestation. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the "great thing" that the LORD is about to do, which is revealed in the subsequent verses as the miraculous thunder and rain. This creates a sense of suspense and emphasizes the inevitability of God's intervention. Furthermore, the phrase "which the LORD will do before your eyes" is an example of **Divine Manifestation** or **Theophany** (though indirect), as it promises a visible, tangible demonstration of God's power and presence. The entire address can be seen as a form of **Rhetorical Persuasion**, where Samuel uses both logical argumentation (recounting Israel's history) and a dramatic, supernatural sign to convince the people of their sin and God's enduring sovereignty. The contrast between Israel's desire for a human king and God's impending supernatural act also creates a subtle **Dramatic Irony**, as they sought human stability but are about to be confronted with overwhelming divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 12:16 is a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human history, even when humanity deviates from His ideal will. It underscores the principle that God, in His sovereignty, can use extraordinary means to reveal His power, validate His prophets, and call His people to account. This "great thing" serves as a divine object lesson, demonstrating that while Israel desired a king, the ultimate authority and power remained with the LORD. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even as He allows the consequences of human choices to unfold. The call to "stand and see" is a timeless invitation to acknowledge God's hand in both judgment and grace, recognizing that His works are always purposeful and designed to draw His people back into right relationship with Him.

* [Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13 - Stand Still and See the Salvation of the LORD")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")
* [Deuteronomy 29:2-4](/deuteronomy/29-2-4 "Deuteronomy 29:2-4 - God's Signs and Israel's Unresponsive Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command to "stand and see" in 1 Samuel 12:16 resonates deeply with believers today, urging us to cultivate a posture of active spiritual discernment and attentiveness. In a world filled with distractions and competing narratives, we are called to pause, to "stand," and to observe God's ongoing work around us and within us. This means not merely acknowledging God's existence but actively seeking to perceive His hand in the unfolding of events—His providence, His warnings, His acts of grace, and His calls to repentance. Just as the Israelites were confronted with an undeniable display of God's power, we too are invited to recognize the "great things" He is doing, whether through overt miracles, subtle interventions, or the consistent working of His Word in our lives. Such recognition should lead to humility, a renewed fear of the Lord, and a deeper commitment to obedience, reminding us that even when we make choices that deviate from His perfect will, God remains sovereign and actively engaged, calling us back to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to "stand and see" God's work more clearly, rather than rushing past or ignoring it?**
* **How does recognizing God's active involvement in history, even in response to human sin and rebellion, shape your understanding of His character and sovereignty?**
* **What "great things" might the Lord be doing before your eyes today—perhaps a challenging circumstance, a surprising provision, or a conviction of sin—that calls for your attention, humility, or repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel call for thunder and rain during the wheat harvest?**

Answer: Samuel called for thunder and rain during the wheat harvest season (typically May-June) because this was the driest time of the year in Israel. Rain during this period was highly unusual and considered an unnatural phenomenon, making its occurrence a clear and undeniable act of divine intervention. It served as a dramatic, visible sign from God, validating Samuel's prophetic authority and demonstrating Yahweh's absolute power over nature, directly countering any reliance on pagan storm gods like Baal. This extraordinary event was intended to underscore the gravity of Israel's sin in rejecting God as their king and to instill a profound fear of the Lord, as mentioned in [Proverbs 26:1](/proverbs/26-1 "Proverbs 26:1 - Rain in Harvest is Unseemly") where rain in harvest is considered unseemly.

**What was the "great thing" Samuel was referring to?**

Answer: The "great thing" Samuel was referring to was the miraculous sign of thunder and rain that immediately followed his command, as recorded in [1 Samuel 12:17-18](/1_samuel/12-17-18 "1 Samuel 12:17-18 - The Miraculous Sign of Thunder and Rain"). This was not merely a natural weather event but a divinely orchestrated display of power, occurring precisely at Samuel's word and at an unseasonal time. It served as a tangible, undeniable demonstration of God's continued sovereignty over creation and His active judgment, even as He allowed Israel to have a king. It was a sign intended to bring conviction to the people regarding their sin of rejecting God's direct rule.

**How does this event relate to Israel's demand for a king?**

Answer: This event is directly related to Israel's demand for a king because it served as God's powerful, public response to their rejection of His direct rule. Samuel had previously warned them about the consequences of having a king ([1 Samuel 8:10-18](/1_samuel/8-10-18 "1 Samuel 8:10-18 - Samuel Warns Israel About a King")), and this miraculous sign was a divine validation of those warnings. It demonstrated that even though God had granted their request for a human monarch, He remained their ultimate King and Judge. The thunder and rain during the dry harvest were meant to humble the people, make them realize the seriousness of their sin, and remind them that their true security and prosperity depended not on a human king, but on their continued obedience and fear of the LORD, as Samuel emphasizes in [1 Samuel 12:24-25](/1_samuel/12-24-25 "1 Samuel 12:24-25 - Serve the Lord with All Your Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "great thing" Samuel called the Israelites to "stand and see" in 1 Samuel 12:16 was a powerful, albeit temporary, demonstration of God's sovereignty and judgment, pointing to His active presence in the world. This foreshadows the ultimate "great thing" that God would do, not merely before the eyes of one generation, but for all humanity, in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Samuel's sign was a warning against rejecting God's rule, Christ's coming is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, a definitive revelation of His power, grace, and love. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom God has [spoken to us in these last days](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"). His miracles, His perfect life, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection are the "greatest things" God has done "before our eyes," inviting not just observation but faith and worship. The call to "stand and see" finds its ultimate echo in the New Testament's invitation to behold Christ—the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Image of the Invisible God"), in whom all the fullness of God dwells. Through Him, God has accomplished a work far greater than any rainstorm, a work that reconciles all things to Himself, leading to a day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation").

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

Exodus 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Exodus 14:31

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

1 Samuel 12:7

Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

1 Samuel 15:16

Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.