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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 12:16–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Two things Samuel here aims at: -
I.To convince the people of their sin in desiring a king.
They were now rejoicing before God in and with their king (Sa1 11:15), and offering to God the sacrifices of praise, which they hoped God would accept; and this perhaps made them think that there was no harm in their asking a king, but really they had done well in it. Therefore Samuel here charges it upon them as their sin, as wickedness, great wickedness in the sight of the Lord. Note, Though we meet with prosperity and success in a way of sin, yet we must not therefore think the more favourably of it. They have a king, and if they conduct themselves well their king may be a very great blessing to them, and yet Samuel will have them perceive and see that their wickedness was great in asking a king. We must never think well of that which God in his law frowns upon, though in his providence he may seem to smile upon it. Observe,
1.The expressions of God's displeasure against them for asking a king. At Samuel's word, God sent prodigious thunder and rain upon them, at a season of the year when, in that country, the like was never seen or known before, Sa1 12:16-18. Thunder and rain have natural causes and sometimes terrible effects. But Samuel made it to appear that this was designed by the almighty power of God on purpose to convince them that they had done very wickedly in asking a king; not only by its coming in an unusual time, in wheat-harvest, and this on a fair clear day, when there appeared not to the eye any signs of a storm, but by his giving notice of it before. Had there happened to be thunder and rain at the time when he was speaking to them, he might have improved it for their awakening and conviction, as we may in a like case; but, to make it no less than a miracle, before it came,
(1.)He spoke to them of it (Sa1 12:16, Sa1 12:17): Stand and see this great thing. He had before told them to stand and hear (Sa1 12:7); but, because he did not see that his reasoning with them affected them (so stupid were they and unthinking), now he bids them stand and see. If what he said in a still small voice did not reach their hearts, nor his doctrine which dropped as the dew, they shall hear God speaking to them in dreadful claps of thunder and the great rain of his strength. He appealed to this as a sign: "I will call upon the Lord, and he will send thunder, will send it just now, to confirm the word of his servant, and to make you see that I spoke truly when I told you that God was angry with you for asking a king." And the event proved him a true prophet; the sign and wonder came to pass.
(2.)He spoke to God for it. Samuel called unto the Lord, and, in answer to his prayer, even while he was yet speaking, the Lord sent thunder and rain. By this Samuel made it to appear, not only what a powerful influence God has upon this earth, that he could, of a sudden, when natural causes did not work towards it, produce this dreadful rain and thunder, and bring them out of his treasures (Psa 135:7), but also what a powerful interest he had in heaven, that God would thus hearken to the voice of a man (Jos 10:14) and answer him in the secret place of thunder, Psa 81:7. Samuel, that son of prayer, was still famous for success in prayer. Now by this extraordinary thunder and rain sent on this occasion,
[1.]God testified his displeasure against them in the same way in which he had formerly testified it, and at the prayer of Samuel too, against the Philistines. The Lord discomfited them with a great thunder, Sa1 7:10. Now that Israel rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit, he turned to be their enemy, and fought against them with the same weapons which, not long before, had been employed against their adversaries, Isa 63:10.
[2.]He showed them their folly in desiring a king to save them, rather than God or Samuel, promising themselves more from an arm of flesh than from the arm of God or from the power of prayer. Could their king thunder with a voice like God? Job 40:9. Could their prince command such forces as the prophet could by his prayers?
[3.]He intimated to them that how serene and prosperous soever their condition seemed to be now that they had a king, like the weather in wheat-harvest, yet, if God pleased, he could soon change the face of their heavens, and persecute them with his tempest, as the Psalmist speaks.
2.The impressions which this made upon the people. It startled them very much, as well it might.
(1.)They greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. Though when they had a king they were ready to think they must fear him only, God made them know that he is greatly to be feared and his prophets for his sake. Now they were rejoicing in their king, God taught them to rejoice with trembling.
(2.)They owned their sin and folly in desiring a king: We have added to all our sins this evil, Sa1 12:19. Some people will not be brought to a sight of their sins by any gentler methods than storms and thunders. Samuel did not extort this confession from them till the matter was settled and the king confirmed, lest it should look as if he designed by it rather to establish himself in the government than to bring them to repentance. Now that they were flattering themselves in their own eyes, their iniquity was found to be hateful, Psa 36:2.
(3.)They earnestly begged Samuel's prayers (Sa1 12:19): Pray for thy servants, that we die not. They were apprehensive of their danger from the wrath of God, and could not expect that he should hear their prayers for themselves, and therefore they entreat Samuel to pray for them. Now they see their need of him whom awhile ago they slighted. Thus many that will not have Christ to reign over them would yet be glad to have him intercede for them, to turn away the wrath of God. And the time may come when those that have despised and ridiculed praying people will value their prayers, and desire a share in them. "Pray" (say they) "to the Lord thy God; we know not how to call him ours, but, if thou hast any interest in him, improve it for us."
II.He aims to confirm the people in their religion, and engage them for ever to cleave unto the Lord.
The design of his discourse is much the same with Joshua's, Jos 23:1 and Jos 24:1.
1.He would not that the terrors of the Lord should frighten them from him, for they were intended to frighten them to him (Sa1 12:20): "Fear not; though you have done all this wickedness, and though God is angry with you for it, yet do not therefore abandon his service, nor turn from following him." Fear not, that is, "despair not, fear not with amazement, the weather will clear up after the storm. Fear not; for, though God will frown upon his people, yet he will not forsake them (Sa1 12:22) for his great name's sake; do not you forsake him then." Every transgression in the covenant, though it displease the Lord, yet does not throw us out of covenant, and therefore God's just rebukes must not drive us from our hope in his mercy. The fixedness of God's choice is owing to the freeness of it; we may therefore hope he will not forsake his people, because it has pleased him to make them his people. Had he chosen them for their good merits, we might fear he would cast them off for their bad merits; but, choosing them for his name's sake, for his name's sake he will not leave them.
2.He cautions them against idolatry: "Turn not aside from God and the worship of him" (Sa1 12:20, and again Sa1 12:21); "for if you turn aside from God, whatever you turn aside to, you will find it is a vain thing, that can never answer your expectations, but will certainly deceive you if you trust to it; it is a broken reed, a broken cistern." Idols could not profit those that sought to them in their wants, nor deliver those that sought to them in their straits, for they were vain, and not what they pretended to be. An idol is nothing in the world, Co1 8:4.
3.He comforts them with an assurance that he would continue his care and concern for them, Sa1 12:23. They desired him to pray for them, Sa1 12:19. He might have said, "Go to Saul, the king that you have put in my room," and get him to pray for you; but so far is he from upbraiding them with their disrespect to him that he promised them much more than they asked.
(1.)They asked it of him as a favour; he promised it as a duty, and startles at the thought of neglecting it. Pray for you! says he, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in not doing it. Note, It is a sin against God not to pray for the Israel of God, especially for those of them that are under our charge: and good men are afraid of the guilt of omissions.
(2.)They asked him to pray for them at this time, and upon this occasion, but he promised to continue his prayers for them and to cease as long as he lived. Our rule is to pray without ceasing; we sin if we restrain prayer in general, and in particular if we cease praying for the church.
(3.)They asked him only to pray for them, but he promised to do more for them, not only to pray for them, but to teach them; though they were not willing to be under his government as a judge, he would not therefore deny them his instructions as a prophet. And they might be sure he would teach them no other than the good and the right way: and the right way is certainly the good way: the way of duty is the way of pleasure and profit.
4.He concludes with an earnest exhortation to practical religion and serious godliness, Sa1 12:24, Sa1 12:25. The great duty here pressed upon us is to fear the Lord. He had said (Sa1 12:20), "Fear not with a slavish fear," but here, "Fear the Lord, with a filial fear." As the fruit and evidence of this, serve him in the duties of religious worship and of a godly conversation, in truth and sincerity, and not in show and profession only, with your heart, and with all your heart, not dissembling, not dividing. And two things he urges by way of motive: - (1.) That they were bound in gratitude to serve God, considering what great things he had done for them, to engage them for ever to his service. (2.) That they were bound in interest to serve him, considering what great things he would do against them if they should still do wickedly: "You shall be destroyed by the judgments of God, both you and your king whom you are so proud of and expect so much from, and who will be a blessing to you if you keep in with God." Thus, as a faithful watchman, he gave them warning, and so delivered his own soul.
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Summary
In 1 Samuel 12:19, the people of Israel, having been profoundly humbled by Samuel's prophetic confrontation and a terrifying divine sign, express deep remorse and fear of God's judgment. They earnestly confess that their demand for an earthly king was not merely a mistake but "this evil," an act that compounded all their prior transgressions and constituted 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 and their desperate need for divine mercy and deliverance from the consequences of their sin.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal moment within Samuel's farewell address to the nation, delivered after the anointing of Saul as Israel's first king. Samuel has just concluded a powerful defense of his own integrity as a judge and prophet, challenging the people to accuse him of any wrongdoing. He then meticulously recounts God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel throughout their history, from their deliverance from Egyptian bondage through the era of the judges, juxtaposing divine provision with Israel's consistent pattern of rebellion. The immediate preceding verses (1 Samuel 12:17-18) describe Samuel's dramatic call for the LORD to send thunder and rain during the dry wheat harvest, an unprecedented and terrifying meteorological event that served as a powerful, undeniable confirmation of the gravity of their sin in asking for a king. This divine sign shatters their complacency, leading directly to the people's intense fear and their collective, heartfelt confession in 1 Samuel 12:19.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is the crucial transition from Israel's unique theocratic system, where God ruled directly through chosen judges, to a centralized monarchy. Historically, Israel's desire for a king, articulated in 1 Samuel 8, stemmed from a combination of factors: the corruption of Samuel's sons, a longing for a visible leader to "go out before us and fight our battles," and a desire to be "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5). This seemingly practical request was, in God's eyes, a profound theological misstep and a direct rejection of His kingship over them (1 Samuel 8:7). The miraculous thunder and rain during the dry harvest season, a sign of divine judgment, served as a stark reminder of God's power and their sin, forcing them to confront the spiritual implications of their choice.
Key Themes
Several profound themes converge in this verse. The central tension lies between Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Autonomy, as Israel's demand for a king represents a rejection of God's direct rule in favor of human institutions, which God viewed as a profound affront to His kingship. Sin and Its Consequences are vividly portrayed, as the people recognize their action as "evil" and fear divine judgment, leading to their desperate plea "that we die not." This underscores the biblical principle that rebellion against God carries serious repercussions. Repentance and Confession are also prominent, as the people articulate their wrongdoing and seek intercession, demonstrating a crucial shift from stubbornness to humility. Finally, the theme of Intercession is crucial, as the people turn to Samuel, recognizing his unique role as a mediator between them and God, a role that profoundly foreshadows the ultimate need for a greater intercessor. This moment highlights the ongoing tension throughout Israel's history between their desire for human leadership and God's consistent call to trust in His divine rule, a tension seen in various forms from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of the monarchy, as detailed in books like Numbers and Judges.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew word חַטָּאת (chaṭṭâʼâh') refers to an offense, habitual sinfulness, its penalty, or a sacrifice for expiation. In this context, the people's confession that they have "added unto all our sins" signifies their recognition that asking for a king was not an isolated error but the culmination and intensification of a long history of rebellion and moral transgression against God. It implies a cumulative weight of guilt, with this specific act being the most recent and grievous addition to their spiritual debt.
The Hebrew term רָע (raʻ') is a comprehensive word denoting moral wickedness, calamity, disaster, or distress. Here, it encompasses both the inherent moral wrongness of their act (distrusting God and rejecting His direct rule) and the dire, potentially fatal, consequences they now anticipate. Their choice was "evil" because it stemmed from a heart of unbelief and a desire to conform to pagan nations, rather than trusting in God's unique design for them. It was a profound moral failing with anticipated catastrophic outcomes, confirmed by the terrifying divine sign.
The verb פָּלַל (pâlal') means "to judge (officially or mentally)," and by extension, "to intercede" or "to pray." The people's urgent request for Samuel to "Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God" highlights their understanding of his prophetic office and his unique access to God as a mediator. They recognize their own unworthiness and inability to approach a holy God directly in their state of sin, emphasizing the critical need for an authorized intercessor to avert divine wrath.
Verse Breakdown
"And all the people said unto Samuel"
This phrase emphasizes the collective and unified nature of the confession. It was not merely a few individuals but the entire assembly, indicating a widespread and profound impact of Samuel's address and the preceding divine sign. Their unified voice underscores the gravity of their shared transgression and their collective realization of their sin.
"Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not"
This is a desperate and urgent plea for intercession, revealing their deep fear of divine judgment and the immediate consequences of their sin. They acknowledge Samuel's special, intimate relationship with God ("thy God") and their own position as "servants," implying humility, dependence, and a recognition of their spiritual vulnerability. The phrase "that we die not" expresses their understanding that their profound act of rebellion could justly lead to immediate divine wrath, destruction, or even physical death, a common consequence for severe disobedience in the Old Testament.
"for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king"
This clause serves as the heart of their confession, articulating the specific nature and severity of their transgression. They recognize that asking for a king was not an isolated incident but the culmination of a long history of rebellion, "added unto all our sins." The phrase "[this] evil" specifically identifies their desire for a human king as a particularly grievous transgression, a direct rejection of God's sovereignty, a profound act of distrust, and a preference for human systems over divine guidance.
Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs Confession, as the people openly admit their wrongdoing and the specific nature of their sin, demonstrating a moment of genuine spiritual awakening. The phrase "added unto all our sins this evil" functions as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the cumulative weight and extreme severity of their transgression, suggesting that this particular act was the ultimate culmination of their rebellious history. There is also a strong element of Dramatic Irony, as the very thing they desired—a king—is now recognized as "evil" and the source of their terror and potential doom. The people's plea for Samuel to "pray for thy servants" highlights Intercession as a crucial means of mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity, underscoring Samuel's prophetic role and foreshadowing the need for a greater mediator. The terrifying sign of thunder and rain immediately preceding this verse serves as a powerful Symbol of divine judgment and God's absolute power, confirming the gravity of their offense.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This confession in 1 Samuel 12:19 is a profound theological moment, illustrating the persistent human tendency to reject divine sovereignty in favor of visible, worldly solutions. It highlights the inherent seriousness of sin, particularly the sin of distrust and direct rebellion against God's perfect will, and the fear of God's righteous judgment that often precedes genuine repentance. The people's recognition that their desire for a king was "evil" underscores that even seemingly practical or desirable human initiatives can be deeply sinful if they arise from a heart that rejects God's rule and chooses conformity to the world over faithfulness to God's unique calling. Their immediate turn to Samuel for intercession reveals a foundational understanding of the need for a mediator between a holy God and sinful humanity, a theme central to biblical theology that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Reflection and Application
The Israelites' confession in 1 Samuel 12:19 serves as a timeless mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine our own hearts and priorities. How often do we, like them, prioritize human solutions, worldly conformity, or visible leadership over trusting in God's invisible, sovereign rule? Their fear of death prompts a genuine confession, reminding us that a healthy, reverent fear of the LORD and a clear understanding of the consequences of sin can be a powerful catalyst for true repentance and a return to God. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: are there areas where we have "added unto all our sins" by choosing our own way, desiring to be "like all the nations," rather than embracing God's unique call and trusting His perfect, often counter-cultural, plan? The people's immediate turning to Samuel for intercession also underscores the vital role of prayer, both personal and corporate, and the necessity of seeking mediation when we recognize our own sinfulness and inability to approach a holy God on our own terms.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was asking for a king considered "evil" if God eventually allowed it?
While God ultimately permitted Israel to have a king, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8:7, He explicitly stated, "they have rejected me from being king over them." The "evil" was not in the concept of a king itself (God had already anticipated a king in Deuteronomy 17:14-15), but in the motive and timing of their request. They asked for a king out of a lack of trust in God's leadership through Samuel and the judges, a desire to be "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5), and a rejection of God's direct, invisible rule. Their demand stemmed from a rebellious heart, seeking human security and conformity rather than divine guidance and uniqueness. God allowed it, but it was a concession to their sin, not an endorsement of their desire, highlighting His long-suffering patience even in the face of human rebellion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The desperate plea of the Israelites in 1 Samuel 12:19 for Samuel to "Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not" profoundly foreshadows humanity's universal need for a greater Intercessor and King. Their recognition of Samuel's unique standing before God and their own inability to approach a holy God directly highlights the fundamental human predicament of sin and the necessity of divine mediation. This need is perfectly and eternally met in Jesus Christ, who is not merely a prophet or a judge, but the one mediator between God and mankind, the great high priest who has passed through the heavens. While Israel sought an earthly king to fight their battles and make them "like all the nations," Christ is the spiritual King whose kingdom is not of this world, who conquers sin and death, and who calls His people to be a holy nation, a people for His own possession. Their confession of "this evil" in rejecting God's rule finds its ultimate answer in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and in His ongoing, eternal intercession for all who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). The fear of death that gripped Israel is overcome by Christ, who through His death, destroyed him who has the power of death, offering eternal life and reconciliation to all who confess their sins and trust in Him as their true King and Savior.