1 Samuel 12:21

KJV

And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And turn ye not aside {H5493}: for then should ye go after {H310} vain {H8414} things, which cannot profit {H3276} nor deliver {H5337}; for they are vain {H8414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't turn to the side; because then you would go after useless things that can neither help nor rescue, they are so futile.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.

American Standard Version

and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.

Commentary

### 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](/1_samuel/12 "1 Samuel 12 - Samuel's Farewell Address"), 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](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - Israel Rejects God as King"). 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](/1_samuel/12-16-18 "1 Samuel 12:16-16 - The Thunderstorm and Rain"). Overwhelmed by fear and repentance, the people confess their sin and plead for Samuel's intercession, as recorded in [1 Samuel 12:19](/1_samuel/12-19 "1 Samuel 12:19 - Israel's Confession"). 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](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Demand for a King"), 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](/1_samuel/12 "1 Samuel 12 - Samuel's Farewell Address") 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](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God is Israel's King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn aside (Hebrew, _çûwr_):** 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.
* **vain (Hebrew, _tôhûw_):** 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](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth was Formless and Empty"), 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](/1_samuel/12 "1 Samuel 12 - Samuel's Farewell Address") 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.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### 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
* **What "vain things" might be subtly drawing my devotion, time, or trust away from God today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek "profit" or "deliverance" from sources other than God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more wholehearted and exclusive devotion to the Lord in my daily life, recognizing His sole ability to truly satisfy and save?**

### FAQ
**What does Samuel mean by "vain things" in this context?**

Answer: 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](/deuteronomy/32-21 "Deuteronomy 32:21 - Provoking God with Idols") and [Jeremiah 2:5](/jeremiah/2-5 "Jeremiah 2:5 - Following Worthless Things").

**Why is it so important for Israel not to "turn aside" from the Lord?**

Answer: 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](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). 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](/1_samuel/12-22 "1 Samuel 12:22 - God Will Not Forsake His People"). 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](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods").

### 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](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). 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](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness"). The New Testament consistently warns against "empty deceit" and "human tradition," as seen in [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against Empty Philosophy"), echoing Samuel's admonition. In Christ, we find the "true riches" ([Luke 16:11](/luke/16-11 "Luke 16:11 - True Riches")) and the "precious blood" that ransoms us from the "futile ways inherited from your forefathers," as explained in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood"). 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), and in whom "there is salvation in no one else," as affirmed in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else").

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

Habakkuk 2:18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Jeremiah 16:19

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

Jeremiah 10:15

They [are] vanity, [and] the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

Deuteronomy 11:16

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

Isaiah 46:7

They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, [one] shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

Isaiah 44:9

¶ They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.