1 Samuel 12:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray 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.”

American Standard Version

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

### 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](/1_samuel/12-17-18 "1 Samuel 12:17-18 - The Sign of Thunder and Rain")) 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](/1_samuel/12-19 "1 Samuel 12:19 - Israel's Confession of Sin").
* **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](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), 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](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Desire to Be Like Other Nations")). 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](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Rejection by Israel")). 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](/numbers "The Book of Numbers") and [Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** 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.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** 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.
* **Pray (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** 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](/1_samuel/12-19 "1 Samuel 12:19 - Israel's Confession of Sin") 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.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Israelites' confession in [1 Samuel 12:19](/1_samuel/12-19 "1 Samuel 12:19 - Israel's Confession of Sin") 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
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human solutions or worldly desires over God's sovereign will, similar to Israel's demand for a king?**
* **What does "this evil" (rejecting God's rule and choosing human autonomy) look like in contemporary Christian life, and how can I guard against it?**
* **How does a healthy "fear of the LORD" (as seen in the Israelites' "that we die not") motivate genuine confession and repentance in my own life?**
* **Who are the "Samuels" in my life—those spiritual leaders, mentors, or prayer warriors whose intercessory prayers I should value and seek?**

### FAQ
**Why was asking for a king considered "evil" if God eventually allowed it?**

Answer: While God ultimately permitted Israel to have a king, as recorded in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's View of Israel's Request"), 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](/deuteronomy/17-14-15 "Deuteronomy 17:14-15 - Laws for a King")), 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](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")), 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](/1_samuel/12-19 "1 Samuel 12:19 - Israel's Confession of Sin") 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](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator"), the [great high priest who has passed through the heavens](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"). 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](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and in His ongoing, eternal intercession for all who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The fear of death that gripped Israel is overcome by Christ, who through His death, [destroyed him who has the power of death](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death"), offering eternal life and reconciliation to all who confess their sins and trust in Him as their true King and Savior.

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 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.