1 Samuel 8:18

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

And ye shall cry out {H2199} in that day {H3117} because {H6440} of your king {H4428} which ye shall have chosen {H977} you; and the LORD {H3068} will not hear {H6030} you in that day {H3117}.

When that happens, you will cry out on account of your king, whom you yourselves chose. But when that happens, ADONAI will not answer you!"

When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.โ€

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king whom ye shall have chosen you; and Jehovah will not answer you in that day.

Commentary

This verse from 1 Samuel 8:18 delivers a stark warning to the people of Israel who demanded a human king "like all the nations." It highlights the severe consequences of rejecting God's direct rule and choosing self-governance apart from His perfect will.

Context

In 1 Samuel chapter 8, the elders of Israel approached Samuel, demanding a king to rule over them, ostensibly because Samuel's sons were corrupt. However, the LORD revealed to Samuel that their request was not merely a rejection of Samuel, but a profound rejection of God Himself as their King. Verses 10-17 detail Samuel's solemn warning, directly from God, about the oppressive nature of the king they desired: he would take their sons for service, their daughters for household work, their fields, and their livestock, and they would become his servants. Verse 18 is the culmination of this prophecy, foretelling the anguish and divine silence that would follow their choice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Consequences of Self-Will: The verse powerfully illustrates that choosing one's own path over God's revealed will leads to suffering and regret. The "cry out" is a direct result of the burdens imposed by the human king they insisted upon.
  • Rejection of Divine Authority: Israel preferred a visible, earthly king to the invisible, perfect rule of God. This decision had spiritual ramifications, leading to a temporary withdrawal of God's direct intervention in their distress.
  • Unanswered Prayer: The most sobering part of the warning is "the LORD will not hear you in that day." This doesn't necessarily mean God stops caring, but that He will not intervene as He might have, allowing them to experience the full weight of their self-chosen path. It's a consequence of their persistent disobedience and a demonstration of divine justice.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "cry out" is za'aq (ื–ึธืขึทืง), which often signifies a desperate cry for help or deliverance in distress, pain, or oppression. It's a plea for divine intervention.
  • The phrase "will not hear" or "will not answer" is lo' ya'aneh (ืœึนื ื™ึทืขึฒื ึถื”) in Hebrew. It implies that God will not respond to their pleas for deliverance from the very situation they brought upon themselves by rejecting His counsel. It signifies a divine allowing of natural and spiritual consequences to unfold without immediate relief.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of seeking God's will and wisdom in all decisions, rather than relying on human desires, popular opinion, or societal norms. When we prioritize our own preferences over God's perfect plan, we often invite hardship and regret. Furthermore, it reminds us that while God is merciful and patient, there are consequences for persistent rebellion against His authority. Our choices have spiritual ramifications, and sometimes, the Lord allows us to experience the fruit of our own decisions, even to the point where our prayers for relief from self-inflicted trouble may not be answered in the way we expect, as a means of teaching and discipline. It compels us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, always seeking His guidance.

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Cross-References

  • Micah 3:4 (6 votes)

    Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

  • Isaiah 1:15 (5 votes)

    And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

  • Proverbs 1:25 (5 votes)

    But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

  • Proverbs 1:28 (5 votes)

    Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

  • Isaiah 8:21 (3 votes)

    And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

  • Proverbs 21:13 (2 votes)

    ยถ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

  • Psalms 18:41 (2 votes)

    They cried, but [there was] none to save [them: even] unto the LORD, but he answered them not.