1 Samuel 12:19

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

And all the people {H5971} said {H559} unto Samuel {H8050}, Pray {H6419} for thy servants {H5650} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, that we die {H4191} not: for we have added {H3254} unto all our sins {H2403} this evil {H7451}, to ask {H7592} us a king {H4428}.

All the people said to Sh'mu'el, "Pray to ADONAI your God for your servants, so that we won't die; because to all our other sins now we've added this evil as well, asking for a king over us."

They pleaded with Samuel, β€œPray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto Jehovah thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 12:19, the people of Israel, confronted by the prophet Samuel concerning their sin, express profound remorse and fear of divine judgment. They acknowledge that their demand for a human king was not merely a mistake but "this evil" that compounded all their previous transgressions, a direct rejection of God's sovereign rule over them. Their urgent plea for Samuel's intercession underscores their recognition of his unique standing with the LORD.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of Samuel's farewell address, where he vindicates his own integrity and warns the people of the consequences of their disobedience. The Israelites' request for a king, initially recorded in 1 Samuel 8:5, stemmed from a desire to be "like all the nations" and a lack of trust in God's leadership through judges. While God eventually granted their request, He made it clear through Samuel that their motive was sinful; indeed, God stated that they had rejected Him as their King. Just prior to this confession, Samuel had called for a miraculous sign of thunder and rain during harvest (a dry season), which powerfully confirmed the gravity of their sin and instilled fear in the people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Confession and Repentance: The people's cry, "we have added unto all our sins this evil," is a clear act of confession, acknowledging the specific nature and severity of their transgression. This demonstrates a shift from stubbornness to genuine remorse.
  • Fear of God's Judgment: Their plea, "that we die not," reveals a deep-seated fear of the consequences of their sin, understanding that divine wrath could lead to destruction.
  • Rejection of Divine Sovereignty: The "evil" they confess is their desire for a visible, earthly king instead of fully trusting in the invisible, heavenly King. This highlights the ongoing human temptation to rely on human systems over divine guidance.
  • The Power of Intercessory Prayer: The people instinctively turn to Samuel, recognizing his spiritual authority and ability to intercede on their behalf with God. This underscores the vital role of prayer in mediating between a holy God and sinful humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "evil" here is ra' (Χ¨ΦΈΧ’), which can mean not only moral badness or wickedness but also calamity, distress, or misfortune. In this context, it encompasses both the sinful act itself (asking for a king out of distrust) and the dire consequences they anticipate as a result. Their choice led to a path fraught with future difficulties, even as God allowed it.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Acknowledge Sin: Like the Israelites, we must be honest about our sins and confess them, particularly when we have chosen human solutions or desires over God's perfect will.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: It reminds us to trust in God's leadership and provision, even when His ways seem unconventional or when we are tempted to follow the patterns of the world. Our desire to be "like others" can often lead us astray from God's unique calling for us.
  • Value Intercession: The passage highlights the importance of prayer, both for ourselves and for others. Samuel's role as an intercessor prefigures the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who continually intercedes for His people.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 9:28

    Intreat the LORD (for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

  • 1 John 5:16

    If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

  • Exodus 10:17

    Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

  • 1 Samuel 12:23

    Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

  • James 5:15

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

  • Acts 8:24

    Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

  • Isaiah 26:16

    LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.
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