1 Samuel 12:18

KJV

So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Samuel {H8050} called {H7121} unto the LORD {H3068}; and the LORD {H3068} sent {H5414} thunder {H6963} and rain {H4306} that day {H3117}: and all the people {H5971} greatly {H3966} feared {H3372} the LORD {H3068} and Samuel {H8050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'elADONAI's viewpoint is the thing you have done in asking for a king."called to ADONAI, and ADONAI sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people became very much afraid of ADONAI and Sh'mu'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

American Standard Version

So Samuel called unto Jehovah; and Jehovah sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared Jehovah and Samuel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 12:18 vividly portrays a dramatic divine intervention, where the LORD responds to Samuel's prayer by sending unseasonal thunder and rain, thereby confirming Samuel's prophetic authority and exposing the profound sinfulness of Israel's demand for a human king. This powerful display of God's sovereignty over creation instills a deep, reverential fear in the people, leading them to acknowledge their rebellion and the true majesty of their divine King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment of Samuel's farewell address to Israel, delivered after they have successfully installed Saul as their first king. In the preceding verses of [1 Samuel 12](/1_samuel/12 "1 Samuel 12 - Samuel's Farewell Address"), Samuel meticulously recounts God's faithful leadership and provision for Israel throughout their history, from the time of Jacob to the present day, contrasting it with the nation's consistent pattern of rebellion and idolatry. He reminds them of their recent rejection of God as their direct ruler by demanding a king, a decision he had previously warned them about in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Displeasure with Israel's Demand for a King"). To underscore the gravity of their sin and to validate his prophetic message, Samuel challenges the people to witness a divine sign: thunder and rain during the dry wheat harvest season, an event that would be undeniably supernatural and a direct act of God's judgment and confirmation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, deeply reliant on predictable weather patterns for their sustenance. The wheat harvest typically occurred in late spring (May-June), a period characterized by clear, dry skies, particularly in the central highlands where much of Israel resided. Rain during this season was highly unusual, often considered a sign of divine displeasure or a miraculous intervention. Thus, Samuel's call for thunder and rain was not merely a meteorological prediction but a bold challenge for God to act in a way that defied natural expectations, making the subsequent downpour an irrefutable sign of God's direct involvement and His displeasure with their recent actions. The public nature of this event, witnessed by "all the people," ensured its impact was widespread and undeniable, reinforcing the authority of both God and His prophet in the eyes of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes converging in [1 Samuel 12:18](/1_samuel/12-18 "1 Samuel 12:18 - God's Confirmation and Israel's Fear") include **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, as God demonstrates His absolute control over creation to validate His word and express His displeasure with Israel's rejection of His direct rule. This act serves as a powerful reminder that while Israel desired a human king, God remained the ultimate authority. Another prominent theme is **Prophetic Authority and Confirmation**, as the immediate and miraculous fulfillment of Samuel's word establishes him as a true prophet of the LORD, whose words are not his own but God's. This divine attestation reinforces the people's need to heed Samuel's counsel, even as they enter a new era of monarchy. Finally, the verse highlights the **Fear of the LORD and Repentance**, as the people's overwhelming fear is not merely terror but a profound awe and reverence that leads to a recognition of their sin and a desire for reconciliation, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The verb "called" (קרא, _qara'_) signifies more than a simple utterance; it implies a formal invocation, a solemn appeal, or a prayer directed to a divine entity. In this context, Samuel's "calling unto the LORD" is an act of prophetic intercession, a direct communication with God, demonstrating his intimate relationship with the divine and his role as mediator between God and Israel. It highlights the power of prayer, especially when offered by a righteous servant of God in alignment with God's will.
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yare'_):** The Hebrew verb "feared" (ירא, _yare'_) is rich in theological meaning, encompassing a spectrum from terror and dread to profound reverence, awe, and respect. While the immediate reaction of the people was likely one of astonishment and dread at the sudden, unnatural storm, the context suggests a deeper, transformative "fear of the LORD" that leads to repentance and submission. This is not a debilitating terror but a healthy, worshipful awe that acknowledges God's holiness, power, and authority, leading to a desire to obey Him. The people also feared Samuel, not out of terror for him personally, but out of a recognition of his divine commission and the power of God manifested through him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Samuel called unto the LORD;":** This opening clause establishes Samuel's pivotal role as God's prophet and intercessor. It underscores the direct, personal nature of his relationship with God, emphasizing that the subsequent miraculous event is a direct answer to his prayer. Samuel acts as God's appointed representative, demonstrating that God still communicates and acts through His chosen servants, even as Israel transitions to a monarchy.
* **"and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day:":** This is the immediate, dramatic fulfillment of Samuel's prophetic word and prayer. The sending of thunder and rain during the dry wheat harvest season is a powerful, undeniable act of divine sovereignty. It serves as a miraculous sign, confirming Samuel's authority and, more importantly, validating God's displeasure with Israel's sin in rejecting Him as their king. It is a visible, audible demonstration of God's control over creation and His active involvement in human affairs, serving as both a judgment and a call to repentance.
* **"and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.":** The people's reaction is one of profound awe and dread. Their "great fear" signifies a recognition of God's immense power and holiness, leading to a deep conviction of their sin. They also feared Samuel, not as an equal to God, but as the one through whom God's mighty power was manifested, acknowledging his true prophetic status. This fear is a crucial step towards repentance, as it moves them from a superficial desire for a king to a profound realization of their rebellion against their true divine King.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is the most prominent, as God directly and miraculously alters natural phenomena to confirm His word and demonstrate His power. This act is almost a **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and power, though not in human form, but through the elements. The timing of the storm during the dry harvest season introduces **Irony**, as the very "blessing" of rain, usually a sign of favor, becomes a sign of judgment and displeasure when it occurs at an inappropriate time, disrupting their harvest and highlighting their spiritual barrenness. The people's reaction, "greatly feared the LORD and Samuel," serves as a form of **Confirmation**, validating Samuel's prophetic office and the truth of his message. The entire scene also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, indicating that even with a human king, God remains the ultimate sovereign, capable of intervening directly in Israel's affairs, whether for blessing or judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 12:18 underscores the enduring theological truth of God's active sovereignty over His creation and His unwavering commitment to hold His people accountable. The unseasonal thunder and rain serve as a tangible demonstration of God's power, reminding Israel that their desire for a human king did not diminish God's ultimate authority or His right to rule. It highlights the concept of divine judgment, not merely as punishment, but as a merciful act intended to bring about repentance and a renewed reverence for God. The people's fear signifies a crucial turning point, moving them from self-reliance to a recognition of their utter dependence on the LORD. This event establishes a pattern: God confirms His word through His prophets, and His people are called to respond with reverential fear and obedience.

* [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23 "Exodus 9:23-24 - The Plague of Hail and Thunder")
* [Psalm 78:34-35](/psalms/78-34 "Psalm 78:34-35 - Israel's Fleeting Repentance")
* [Jeremiah 5:24](/jeremiah/5-24 "Jeremiah 5:24 - God's Provision of Rain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic scene in 1 Samuel 12:18 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but an active, sovereign Lord who intervenes in human history and in our personal lives. Just as He confirmed Samuel's word with an undeniable display of power, God continues to confirm His truth through His written Word, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes, through providential circumstances. This passage calls us to cultivate a healthy "fear of the LORD"—not a cowering terror, but a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges His holiness, power, and absolute authority. This fear is the foundation of wisdom and leads to humility, obedience, and genuine repentance when we stray. When God reveals our sin, whether through His Word, the conviction of the Spirit, or challenging circumstances, our appropriate response is to turn back to Him with a contrite heart, trusting in His mercy and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "fear of the LORD" described in this passage differ from mere terror, and what does it mean to cultivate such a fear in our lives today?**
* **In what ways does God confirm His word or reveal His will to us in contemporary times, and how attentive are we to these signs?**
* **What "kings" or earthly securities might we be tempted to rely on instead of God, and how does this passage challenge such misplaced trust?**
* **How should we respond when God's power or holiness is revealed in a way that exposes our sin?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Samuel called for thunder and rain during the wheat harvest because it was the dry season in ancient Israel, typically from May to June. Rain during this period was highly unusual and considered a miraculous event, often associated with divine judgment or a direct act of God's power. By calling for such an unnatural phenomenon, Samuel provided an undeniable, visible, and audible sign that his words were from the LORD and that Israel's sin in demanding a king was indeed "great" in God's eyes. It served as a powerful confirmation of Samuel's prophetic authority and God's displeasure, compelling the people to acknowledge their wrongdoing, as seen in [1 Samuel 12:19](/1_samuel/12-19 "1 Samuel 12:19 - The People's Plea for Prayer").

**Why did the people "greatly fear the LORD and Samuel"?**

Answer: The people "greatly feared the LORD" because they witnessed an immediate, supernatural display of His power that defied natural order. The unseasonal thunder and rain were a direct, irrefutable sign of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in their affairs, confirming His displeasure with their rejection of Him as their king. This fear was not just terror but a profound, reverential awe that led to conviction of sin and a recognition of God's holiness. They feared Samuel because he was the instrument through whom God's power was manifested; his words were confirmed by divine action, establishing him as a true prophet of the LORD, whose authority was derived directly from God. Their fear of Samuel was a recognition of God's presence and power working through him, as indicated in [1 Samuel 12:20](/1_samuel/12-20 "1 Samuel 12:20 - Samuel's Reassurance to the People").

**What is the significance of "the fear of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yare'_) signifies more than mere fright; it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, holiness, and power. Witnessing the miraculous storm, the people were brought to a deep conviction of their sin and a proper understanding of who God truly is—the sovereign King who rules over all creation. This fear is transformative; it leads to humility, repentance, and a desire to obey God. It is the beginning of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge"), and a necessary prerequisite for genuine spiritual turning and submission to divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic display of God's power and the people's subsequent fear in 1 Samuel 12:18 foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's authority and the call to repentance found in Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel stood as God's prophet, validating his message through divine signs, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, confirmed His divine authority not through thunder and rain, but through His miraculous works, teachings, and ultimately, His resurrection. The "fear of the LORD" experienced by Israel, leading to a recognition of their sin, finds its fullest expression in the New Covenant through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which leads to repentance and faith in Christ. The people's rejection of God's direct rule in favor of a human king highlights humanity's persistent desire for earthly solutions over divine sovereignty. Yet, in Christ, God Himself condescended to become the perfect King, not one chosen by human preference, but one appointed by God, whose reign is eternal and perfectly just. His coming brings a deeper, more profound "fear" – a reverential awe that leads to worship and submission, as all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The judgment demonstrated through the storm points to the ultimate judgment that will be executed by Christ, yet His first coming was to save, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who, out of a reverent fear, turn from their sins and trust in Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 14:31

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.

Ezra 10:9

Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It [was] the ninth month, on the twentieth [day] of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of [this] matter, and for the great rain.

Psalms 106:12

Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

Psalms 106:13

¶ They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

Revelation 11:5

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Revelation 11:6

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Exodus 9:23

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.