TRV
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
1 Samuel 12:21 delivers a profound warning from the prophet Samuel to the newly established monarchy of Israel, urging them to remain steadfastly devoted to the Lord and to resist the temptation of spiritual deviation. It underscores the inherent futility and powerlessness of anything that attempts to usurp God's rightful place, whether literal idols or other worldly pursuits, emphasizing that only the true God can provide genuine profit, protection, and deliverance. This verse serves as a timeless call to unwavering faithfulness and a stark reminder of the emptiness found in all alternatives to divine allegiance.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a crucial part of Samuel's farewell address to the nation of Israel, delivered at Gilgal after they had demanded a king and Saul had been confirmed as their monarch. Samuel's discourse, spanning 1 Samuel 12, serves as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony. He recounts God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history, from the Exodus to their current state, and highlights their sin in rejecting God as their direct king, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:7. To underscore their transgression and God's power, Samuel calls upon the Lord to send a miraculous thunderstorm during the wheat harvest, a time when rain was unheard of, described in 1 Samuel 12:16-18. Overwhelmed by fear and repentance, the people confess their sin and plead for Samuel's intercession, as recorded in 1 Samuel 12:19. In response, Samuel reassures them that God will not forsake His people if they continue to serve Him faithfully, leading directly into the warning of 1 Samuel 12:21. This verse, therefore, functions as a critical exhortation to maintain their covenant relationship with Yahweh amidst the new political structure.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period described in 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israelite history: the shift from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. This transition was not without tension, as the people's desire for a king "like all the nations," articulated in 1 Samuel 8:5, represented a rejection of God's unique direct rule. Culturally, Israel was surrounded by nations that worshipped various deities (e.g., Baal, Asherah), often associated with fertility, war, or specific geographical locations. These "vain things" were tangible idols and the pagan practices associated with them, which promised prosperity or protection but ultimately delivered nothing. Samuel's warning directly confronts the ever-present temptation for Israel to assimilate into the religious practices of their neighbors, reminding them of the exclusive covenant they had with Yahweh, the one true God who had historically delivered them from oppression and sustained them in the wilderness. The historical context underscores the fragility of their newfound monarchy and the constant spiritual battle against syncretism and idolatry.
Key Themes
The overarching themes in 1 Samuel 12 and the broader book that this verse contributes to include Covenant Faithfulness, emphasizing the reciprocal obligations between God and Israel. Samuel's address reiterates God's unwavering faithfulness despite Israel's past and present failings, contingent upon their continued obedience. Closely related is the Folly of Idolatry, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The "vain things" are presented as utterly worthless and powerless, contrasting sharply with the living God who alone can "profit nor deliver." This highlights God's Exclusive Sovereignty and Power, asserting His unique ability to save and sustain His people. The verse also touches upon the theme of Divine Judgment and Mercy: while God is just in His judgment against sin (as demonstrated by the thunderstorm), He is also merciful and willing to continue His relationship with a repentant people, provided they do not "turn aside." Finally, it speaks to the Nature of True Kingship, implicitly arguing that even with a human king, Israel's ultimate allegiance and source of security must remain with God, the true King of Israel, as declared in 1 Samuel 8:7.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies a deviation or departure from a path, direction, or established course. In a spiritual context, as here, it denotes a turning away from God, His commands, or the covenant relationship. It implies an intentional act of straying from the prescribed way of life and worship, often leading to apostasy or idolatry. It's not merely a passive drifting but an active choice to move away from faithfulness.
This powerful Hebrew term, repeated for emphasis in the verse, conveys a sense of emptiness, chaos, worthlessness, and futility. Its most famous appearance is in Genesis 1:2, describing the earth as "without form and void" before creation. When applied to idols or false gods, tôhûw emphasizes their utter lack of substance, power, or purpose. They are non-existent in terms of divine reality, fundamentally useless, and incapable of providing any benefit or salvation. They lead to spiritual emptiness rather than fulfillment or profit.
Verse Breakdown
"And turn ye not aside"
This is a direct, imperative command from Samuel, acting as God's prophet. It serves as a stern warning against spiritual deviation, emphasizing the active choice involved in maintaining faithfulness. The "turning aside" implies a departure from the path of obedience and devotion to Yahweh, which had been established through the covenant.
"for [then should ye go] after vain [things]"
This clause provides the reason for the command. The consequence of "turning aside" is the pursuit of "vain things." These "vain things" are anything that replaces God as the object of worship, trust, or devotion, most immediately referring to the idols and pagan deities of surrounding nations, but also encompassing any empty pursuit that promises what only God can deliver.
"which cannot profit nor deliver"
This phrase explicitly states the inherent powerlessness and uselessness of these "vain things." They are unable to provide any real gain, advantage, or benefit ("profit"), nor can they rescue, save, or protect ("deliver") from genuine danger, adversity, or spiritual bondage. This highlights the stark contrast between the impotence of false gods and the omnipotence of Yahweh.
"for they [are] vain"
This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and emphatic confirmation of the absolute futility of anything other than God. It reinforces the central message that these alternatives are not just ineffective, but fundamentally empty and without substance, leading only to disappointment and destruction.
Literary Devices
Samuel's address in 1 Samuel 12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. Repetition is prominently used with the word "vain" (tōhûw), appearing twice in this short verse. This repetition serves to underscore the utter emptiness and worthlessness of anything that is not the Lord, driving home the point with emphatic force. There is a strong element of Contrast, though implicit, between the living, active, and delivering God whom Samuel has just recounted as Israel's faithful rescuer, and the "vain things" which are explicitly stated to be unable to "profit nor deliver." This juxtaposition highlights God's unique power and the impotence of alternatives. The verse also functions as a direct Exhortation or Warning, using imperative language ("turn ye not aside") to issue a solemn moral and theological command. This direct address creates a sense of urgency and personal responsibility for the audience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Samuel 12:21 profoundly connects to the biblical theology of exclusive worship and the nature of God's covenant with Israel. The warning against "vain things" is not merely a prohibition against physical idols but a comprehensive call to wholehearted devotion to Yahweh alone. Theologically, it asserts God's unique sovereignty and His sole capacity to provide true salvation, security, and meaning. Any pursuit or object of trust outside of Him is declared worthless, a mere "breath" or "nothingness" (as tōhûw implies). This concept underpins the First Commandment and resonates throughout the prophetic literature, where Israel's turning to other gods is often depicted as spiritual adultery. The verse reminds us that genuine "profit" and "deliverance" are found only in relationship with the living God, who is faithful to His covenant even when His people falter.
Reflection and Application
Samuel's warning to ancient Israel remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In a world saturated with distractions and competing allegiances, the "vain things" may not always be carved idols, but they are equally potent in drawing our devotion away from God. These modern "vain things" can manifest as the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, power, or pleasure, believing that these will bring ultimate security or happiness. They can also include placing excessive trust in human ideologies, political systems, technological advancements, or even our own abilities and self-sufficiency, rather than relying on God's wisdom and provision. This verse challenges us to critically examine our hearts and identify what we truly depend on for profit (benefit, gain) and deliverance (safety, rescue, meaning). It calls us to recognize the inherent emptiness of anything that promises what only God can deliver, and to re-center our lives on Him alone. Our lasting satisfaction, true security, and ultimate purpose are found not in accumulating or achieving, but in an unwavering, wholehearted devotion to the Lord, who alone is capable of truly profiting and delivering us from the deepest needs and dangers of life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Samuel mean by "vain things" in this context?
By "vain things," Samuel is primarily referring to idols and false gods worshipped by the surrounding nations, which Israel was constantly tempted to adopt. The Hebrew word used, tôhûw (תֹּהוּ), conveys a sense of emptiness, chaos, worthlessness, and futility. When applied to idols, it emphasizes their utter lack of substance, power, or purpose. They are "nothing" in terms of divine reality, incapable of hearing, seeing, or acting, and therefore cannot provide any true benefit, protection, or salvation. Samuel's point is that turning to such things is foolish because they are inherently useless and deceptive, leading to spiritual emptiness rather than fulfillment. This concept is echoed in other Old Testament passages that mock the impotence of idols, such as Deuteronomy 32:21 and Jeremiah 2:5.
Why is it so important for Israel not to "turn aside" from the Lord?
It is crucial for Israel not to "turn aside" because their entire national identity, prosperity, and existence were predicated upon their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Turning aside from the Lord, whether through overt idolatry or subtle spiritual compromise, constituted a breach of this covenant. Such deviation would lead to spiritual emptiness, national judgment, and a loss of God's protection and blessing, as repeatedly warned throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 28). Samuel emphasizes that God, despite Israel's sin in demanding a king, remains faithful to His people if they remain faithful to Him, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:22. Therefore, not turning aside is an act of acknowledging God's exclusive sovereignty, His past faithfulness, and His sole ability to provide true security and deliverance for His people, upholding the fundamental principle of Exodus 20:3.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Samuel 12:21, with its stark warning against turning to "vain things" that "cannot profit nor deliver," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "vain things" of the Old Testament, whether literal idols or the empty pursuits of human wisdom and power, foreshadow the ultimate vanity of seeking salvation, meaning, or deliverance apart from God's appointed Son. Humanity, in its fallen state, continually turns aside to its own "vain things"—self-righteousness, worldly philosophies, material possessions, or fleeting pleasures—all of which ultimately prove incapable of profiting us eternally or delivering us from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus, however, stands as the antithesis of all that is vain. He is the one who truly profits us, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice, as promised in John 3:16. He is the one who truly delivers, not from earthly enemies, but from the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil, as declared in Colossians 1:13-14. The New Testament consistently warns against "empty deceit" and "human tradition," as seen in Colossians 2:8, echoing Samuel's admonition. In Christ, we find the "true riches" (Luke 16:11) and the "precious blood" that ransoms us from the "futile ways inherited from your forefathers," as explained in 1 Peter 1:18-19. Thus, the warning to Israel to cling to the living God points forward to the New Covenant reality where Jesus is revealed as the only "way, and the truth, and the life," through whom alone we can come to the Father (John 14:6), and in whom "there is salvation in no one else," as affirmed in Acts 4:12.