1 Samuel 12:20

KJV

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Fear {H3372} not: ye have done {H6213} all this wickedness {H7451}: yet turn not aside {H5493} from following {H310} the LORD {H3068}, but serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} with all your heart {H3824};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el answered the people, "Don't be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet now, just don't turn away from following ADONAI; but serve ADONAI with all your heart.

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.

American Standard Version

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, but serve Jehovah with all your heart:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Samuel's address in 1 Samuel 12:20 delivers a powerful message of divine grace and a profound call to renewed faithfulness for the people of Israel. Having just confessed their grievous sin in demanding a human king and rejecting God's direct rule, they are met not with condemnation but with pastoral reassurance. Samuel urges them to cast off their fear, acknowledging their past transgression while immediately redirecting them from despair towards steadfast obedience and wholehearted devotion to the Lord, emphasizing that their future lies in unwavering commitment to God despite their recent failure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Samuel's farewell address to the nation of Israel, delivered at Gilgal following the anointing of Saul as king and a dramatic, divinely orchestrated thunderstorm. The preceding verses, specifically [1 Samuel 12:17-19](/1_samuel/12-17-19 "1 Samuel 12:17-17-19 - The Miraculous Thunderstorm and Israel's Confession"), detail the people's terror and their confession of "great wickedness" in asking for a human king. Samuel's words in [1 Samuel 12:20](/1_samuel/12-20 "1 Samuel 12:20 - Samuel's Exhortation to Fear Not and Serve the Lord") serve as a pivotal turning point, transitioning from the acknowledgment of divine judgment and human confession to a compassionate yet firm pastoral exhortation for repentance and continued faithfulness. It lays the groundwork for Samuel's subsequent warnings and promises regarding their future under the monarchy, which remain contingent upon their obedience, as further elaborated in [1 Samuel 12:21-25](/1_samuel/12-21-25 "1 Samuel 12:21-25 - Samuel's Concluding Exhortation and Warning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel was undergoing a monumental transition from a tribal confederacy led by charismatic judges to a centralized monarchy, a shift largely precipitated by the people's desire to "be like all the other nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")), seeking a visible human leader rather than relying on Yahweh as their invisible, divine King. This demand was unequivocally viewed by both God and Samuel as a profound rejection of God Himself ([1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's View of Israel's Demand")). The palpable fear expressed by the people in [1 Samuel 12:18-19](/1_samuel/12-18-19 "1 Samuel 12:18-19 - Israel's Fear and Confession") was a natural and expected response to a direct, supernatural manifestation of God's power and displeasure, a common reaction in the ancient Near East when divine wrath was perceived. Samuel's address, therefore, functions not merely as a speech but as a foundational covenant renewal ceremony, reminding the people of their enduring obligations to Yahweh even as they embarked on a new political structure.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost, it highlights the theme of **divine grace and mercy** in the face of egregious human sin, demonstrating that God's immediate response to genuine confession is not always condemnation but an open invitation to return and find restoration. It powerfully underscores the critical importance of **repentance and steadfast obedience**, emphasizing that a change of heart must be followed by a decisive change in direction and persistent faithfulness to God's covenant. Furthermore, the imperative to "serve the LORD with all your heart" introduces the crucial theme of **wholehearted devotion**, a concept central to the Mosaic covenant and prophetic teaching. This theme demands an internal, comprehensive, and undivided commitment to God that transcends mere external compliance, resonating deeply with the foundational command to love God with all one's being, as articulated in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment to Love God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** This primitive root (H3372) signifies to be afraid, dread, or to revere. In this context, Samuel's "Fear not" (אַל־תִּירָאוּ, _al-tir'u_) directly addresses the people's terror and despair after witnessing the miraculous thunderstorm and confessing their "great wickedness." It functions as a divine assurance, preventing debilitating despair and signaling that despite their serious transgression, God's intention is not immediate destruction but an invitation to return.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ_):** Derived from H7451, this term broadly denotes evil, harm, or calamity, encompassing both natural and moral badness. Here, it specifically refers to the profound moral offense committed by Israel in demanding a human king, which was interpreted as a rejection of God's direct rule over them (cf. [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's View of Israel's Demand")). Samuel's acknowledgment of "all this wickedness" validates their confession and underscores the gravity of their sin, yet it is immediately followed by a path to restoration, demonstrating God's patience and mercy.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb_):** From H3824, this word refers to the heart as the most interior organ, but in Hebrew thought, it is the comprehensive center of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Thus, serving God with "all your heart" (בְּכָל־לְבָבְכֶם, _b'chol-l'vavchem_) signifies a complete, undivided, and authentic commitment—encompassing one's thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions. It contrasts sharply with superficial or ritualistic obedience and points to a deep, internal disposition of loyalty and love towards Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not:"** Samuel, acting as God's prophetic messenger, begins his pastoral counsel by directly addressing the people's overwhelming fear and despair. This opening phrase, a common biblical idiom, functions as a divine assurance, indicating that despite their sin, God's grace is extended, and there is a path forward rather than immediate destruction.
* **"ye have done all this wickedness:"** Samuel acknowledges and validates the people's confession of sin, reinforcing the gravity of their actions in rejecting God as their king and demanding a human monarch. This statement is not meant to condemn them further into despair but to firmly establish the reality of their transgression as the necessary basis for the subsequent call to repentance and renewed commitment.
* **"yet turn not aside from following the LORD,"** This is a crucial imperative, a negative command that directs the people away from straying into idolatry or disobedience, which was a constant temptation for Israel. It emphasizes the need for continuous, steadfast adherence to God's ways and His covenant, implying that despite their past failure, the possibility of faithful obedience remains open and is indeed expected.
* **"but serve the LORD with all your heart;"** This positive command complements the previous negative one, specifying the quality and nature of the required obedience. It calls for an internal, comprehensive, and sincere devotion to God, encompassing their entire being—their will, emotions, intellect, and actions. This is not merely about outward acts but about an undivided loyalty and passionate commitment to Yahweh, reflecting the core demand of the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Samuel's address in 1 Samuel 12:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The opening phrase, **"Fear not,"** serves as an immediate and striking example of **pastoral reassurance**, a common prophetic trope designed to alleviate terror and open the way for instruction. This is immediately followed by a stark **juxtaposition**: the acknowledgment of "all this wickedness" is set against the divine invitation to "turn not aside" and "serve the LORD." This contrast highlights God's grace in the face of human failure. The verse also utilizes **imperative mood** throughout its commands ("Fear not," "turn not aside," "serve"), underscoring the urgency and directness of Samuel's exhortation. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of **antithetical parallelism** in "turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart," where a negative injunction is balanced by a positive one, providing a comprehensive directive for their future conduct. The emphasis on "all your heart" also employs **synecdoche**, where the part (heart) represents the whole person, signifying total commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 12:20 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring grace and His persistent call for genuine repentance and wholehearted devotion, even in the face of profound human failure. It underscores the biblical truth that while sin is serious and has consequences, it does not necessarily lead to irreversible condemnation if met with confession and a sincere turning back to God. This verse articulates a core principle of covenant theology: God's faithfulness remains, and His people are always invited to return to Him with undivided loyalty. It teaches that true repentance is not merely regret for sin but a decisive reorientation of one's life toward God, characterized by an internal commitment that impacts all external actions. This call to serve with "all your heart" echoes the foundational demands of the Law and anticipates the prophetic emphasis on inward transformation, highlighting that God desires a relationship of deep, personal devotion, not just external compliance.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment to Love God")
* [Jeremiah 24:7](/jeremiah/24-7 "Jeremiah 24:7 - A New Heart to Know God")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 12:20 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers navigating their own spiritual journeys. In a world where mistakes and failures are inevitable, Samuel's initial "Fear not" resonates deeply, reminding us that even when we honestly acknowledge our "wickedness"—our intentional or unintentional deviations from God's will—His grace is abundantly available. This verse encourages us to confront our sins with integrity, without succumbing to paralyzing despair, knowing that God's mercy consistently opens a path to restoration. The subsequent commands to "turn not aside" and "serve the LORD with all your heart" provide a clear and comprehensive blueprint for authentic repentance: it's not just about ceasing to do wrong, but actively, continuously, and wholeheartedly pursuing what is right and honoring to God. This calls for a daily, intentional commitment of our entire being—our thoughts, desires, and actions—to Christ, ensuring that our faith is lived out with integrity and passion, not merely as a set of external rituals or obligations. It challenges us to examine the true depth of our devotion and to strive for an undivided heart in our walk with God, recognizing that our ultimate joy and purpose are found in wholehearted service to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wickedness" or areas of deviation from God's will do I need to honestly acknowledge in my own life, and how does Samuel's "Fear not" offer hope and courage in that confession?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be "turning aside from following the LORD," and what practical steps can I take to actively re-align my path with His will and Word?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "serve the LORD with all my heart" in my daily life, relationships, career, and personal responsibilities? Am I holding anything back from Him?**
* **How can I cultivate a more wholehearted and undivided devotion to God amidst the constant distractions, pressures, and demands of contemporary life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "wickedness" Israel committed that Samuel refers to?**

Answer: The "wickedness" Israel committed was their persistent demand for a human king, which Samuel and God Himself interpreted as a profound rejection of God's direct rule over them. In [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's View of Israel's Demand"), the Lord explicitly tells Samuel, "They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them." This act was a significant theological and covenantal transgression, demonstrating a fundamental lack of trust in God's provision and a desire to conform to the surrounding nations rather than to live distinctly as God's chosen people under His unique governance. The miraculous thunderstorm in [1 Samuel 12:18](/1_samuel/12-18 "1 Samuel 12:18 - The Miraculous Thunderstorm") served as a dramatic and undeniable divine sign confirming the gravity of their sin and God's displeasure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 12:20, while deeply rooted in Israel's specific historical context of demanding a king, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The people's "wickedness" in rejecting God's direct rule and seeking a human king foreshadows humanity's persistent tendency to reject divine authority, seek self-rule, or place trust in earthly solutions rather than in the sovereign God. Yet, just as Samuel offered the pastoral "Fear not" amidst their profound sin, Jesus, the true and eternal King, offers the ultimate "Fear not" to a fallen humanity. His advent, unlike Saul's anointing, was not a concession to human sin but God's sovereign initiative to redeem it. Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide the complete and final answer to our "wickedness," offering a forgiveness and reconciliation that no human king or Old Testament sacrifice could achieve ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the call to "turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart" is fully realized in the New Covenant established through Christ. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to obey God not merely out of obligation, but with a new heart and a transformed will, enabling a genuine, wholehearted devotion that was impossible under the old covenant's limitations ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"); [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Jesus Himself perfectly embodies and fulfills the greatest commandment to love and serve God with all one's heart, mind, soul, and strength ([Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")), becoming both the pattern and the power for our own wholehearted obedience. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the King who rules in righteousness, inviting us into a kingdom where true service is perfect freedom and eternal life.

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

Deuteronomy 11:16

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

Psalms 40:4

Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Exodus 20:19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Joshua 23:6

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom [to] the right hand or [to] the left;

Jeremiah 3:1

¶ They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Psalms 125:5

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.