Samuel's Farewell and Exhortation to Israel
1 Samuel 12:1-25
1 S.12.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- שמעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- בקלכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,pl
- לכל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואמליך: CONJ+VERB,hiph,impf,1,sg
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:4-8 (allusion): The people's demand for a king and God's response earlier in Samuel; Samuel's statement in 12:1 looks back to the episode in which Israel asked for a monarch.
- 1 Samuel 8:19-22 (thematic): Samuel recounts the consequences and warnings about having a king in the surrounding context; 12:1 sets up the public account and defense of the monarchy that Samuel gives in response to that demand.
- 1 Samuel 11:14-15 (verbal): Narrates the formal establishment of Saul as king ('and they made Saul king before the LORD at Gilgal'), paralleling Samuel's acknowledgement in 12:1 that he has made a king over them.
- Judges 8:22-23 (thematic): Israel's earlier offer to make Gideon king and his refusal provides a thematic contrast to Israel's later insistence on a king in Samuel—both passages address popular desires for human rulers.
- Acts 13:21 (allusion): Luke's summary of Israelite history notes that 'they desired a king; and God gave them Saul,' echoing the same event Samuel addresses in 1 Samuel 12:1 and framing it in hindsight.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and I have set a king over you.”
- Samuel said to all Israel, "Behold, I have heard your voice in all that you spoke to me; I have set a king over you."
1 S.12.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- הנה: PART
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מתהלך: VERB,hitpael,ptc,3,m,sg
- לפניכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- זקנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,f,sg
- ושבתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הנם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- התהלכתי: VERB,hitpael,perf,1,_,sg
- לפניכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מנערי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss1
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (thematic): Samuel here contrasts the new king with his own leadership; 1 Sam 8 records Israel's demand for a king and sets the immediate context for Samuel’s remark that “the king walks before you.”
- 1 Samuel 8:3 (thematic): Samuel mentions his sons in v.2; 1 Sam 8:3 explicitly notes Samuel’s sons ‘did not walk in his ways,’ providing the background for Samuel’s defense of his own integrity and the reason he is not establishing a royal dynasty.
- Deuteronomy 31:2 (verbal): Moses’ farewell language about advanced age and the end of his public leadership echoes Samuel’s wording — both leaders invoke their old age as they prepare for a transition of authority.
- Judges 2:7 (thematic): This verse describes the end of a leadership era (Joshua and the elders who outlived him) and the subsequent transition in Israel; thematically parallels Samuel’s emphasis on lifelong service and the change represented by a king.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now, behold, the king walks before you; and I am old and gray, and my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day.
- Now, behold, the king walks before you; and I am old and gray, and my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day.
1 S.12.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- ענו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- נגד: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונגד: CONJ+PREP
- משיחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- לקחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- וחמור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- לקחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- עשקתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- רצותי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- לקחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- כפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואעלים: VERB,hiph,perf,1,sg
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואשיב: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 22:1-4 (verbal): Legal rules about stealing an ox or an ass and the obligation to make restitution — directly parallels Samuel’s concrete charges (“whose ox… whose ass… I will restore it”).
- Job 31:5-15 (thematic): Job’s extended self-vindication and listing of sins he has not committed (including oppressing the poor or taking bribes) resembles Samuel’s appeal for witnesses to his integrity and promise of restoration if guilty.
- 1 Samuel 24:6 (verbal): David’s refusal to harm Saul because he is “the LORD’s anointed” echoes the phrase and reverence in Samuel’s appeal to “the LORD and his anointed” as witnesses.
- Ezekiel 22:12 (thematic): Accusation against leaders for taking bribes and perverting justice parallels Samuel’s rhetorical charges about oppression and receiving bribes; both condemn corrupt treatment of the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, I stand as a witness against you before the LORD and before his anointed: from whom have I taken an ox? or a donkey? whom have I wronged? whom have I oppressed? whose hand did I take a bribe to close my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.
- Here I stand—humble—before the LORD and before his anointed: whom did I take a bull from, or a donkey? Whom did I wrong, whom did I oppress? Of whose hand did I receive anything to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.
1 S.12.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- עשקתנו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- רצותנו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- לקחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 12:3 (verbal): Immediate context — Samuel challenges the people to produce evidence that he has taken anything, explicitly denying he has taken a donkey, ox, or man from anyone (direct verbal/structural parallel).
- 1 Samuel 8:3–5 (thematic): The people cite Samuel’s sons’ corruption (taking bribes, perverting justice) as their reason for requesting a king — contrasts leaders who oppress/take from others with Samuel’s asserted innocence.
- Nehemiah 5:10–11 (verbal): Nehemiah and his officials insist they did not exact interest or take food from the people and urge restitution — a comparable claim of leaders denying oppression and exploitation.
- Psalm 15:2–5 (thematic): Portrait of the righteous person who does not slander, harms not a neighbor, and keeps oaths — thematically parallels the claim of having wronged or extorted no one.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they said, “You have not wronged us, you have not oppressed us, you have not taken anything from anyone.”
- They said, "You have not wronged us, you have not defrauded us, you have not taken anything from anyone's hand."
1 S.12.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- משיחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- מצאתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 12:3 (verbal): Samuel earlier issues the same challenge to testify against him before the LORD and his anointed, repeating his denial of wrongdoing—closely parallels the phrase and legal-defense motif in 12:5.
- 1 Samuel 24:11 (verbal): David invokes the protection of 'the LORD's anointed' ('Who can stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?'), echoing the theological weight given to 'the LORD and his anointed' as authoritative witness.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (structural): Legal principle that matters are established 'by the testimony of two or three witnesses' underlies Samuel's appeal to God and the anointed as guarantors of truth and justice.
- Isaiah 43:10 (thematic): God's self-identification of Israel (and God himself) as 'witnesses' ('You are my witnesses, declares the LORD') parallels the role of the LORD (and his anointed) invoked in 1 Sam 12:5 as the ultimate attestant to Samuel's integrity.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”
- And he said to them, "The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have found nothing in my hand." And they answered, "He is witness."
1 S.12.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- את: PRT,acc
- אבתיכם: NOUN,m,pl,cons+PRON,2,pl
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 5:6 (verbal): Uses the same formulaic claim—'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt'—emphasizing Yahweh as the one who delivered Israel from Egypt.
- Joshua 24:5-7 (verbal): Joshua's covenant speech recalls God bringing the ancestors out of Egypt and leading them, echoing Samuel's appeal to Yahweh's acts in raising leaders and delivering the people.
- Deuteronomy 34:10 (thematic): Affirms the unique status of Moses (and by extension Aaron) as divinely appointed leaders, paralleling Samuel's statement that the LORD 'made' Moses and Aaron.
- Judges 2:16 (thematic): Describes the recurring pattern of the LORD raising up judges/deliverers for Israel, thematically parallel to Samuel's attribution of Moses and Aaron as appointed by God.
- Acts 7:35-36 (allusion): Stephen's retelling of Israel's history portrays God as the one who sent Moses and brought the people out of Egypt, echoing the claim that Yahweh appointed Moses and effected the Exodus.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Samuel said to the people, “The LORD, who appointed Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt—
- Samuel said to the people, "The LORD who made Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt,
1 S.12.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- התיצבו: VERB,hitp,perf,2,m,pl
- ואשפטה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- צדקות: NOUN,f,pl,constr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- אבותיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:32 (thematic): Both call the people to recall/ask about former days and to consider the mighty acts God did for their ancestors — the judicial/retrospective recounting of God's deeds.
- Deuteronomy 6:20–21 (thematic): Instruction to tell future generations about what the LORD did for Israel — similar emphasis on rehearsing God's righteous acts before others.
- Deuteronomy 32:7 (thematic): ’Remember the days of old…’ — a direct appeal to recall and relate God’s deeds in past generations, echoing Samuel’s summons to witness God’s righteousness.
- Joshua 24:22 (structural): Joshua assembles the people, sets them as witnesses, and recounts the LORD’s acts in covenantal summons — parallels Samuel’s courtroom-style address and call to stand and hear.
- Psalm 78:4–7 (verbal): A liturgical/poetic setting that vows to tell coming generations the LORD’s wonderful works and faithfulness to the fathers, closely matching Samuel’s theme of reciting God’s righteous deeds to the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- now stand and let me charge you before the LORD concerning all the righteous deeds of the LORD that he did to you and to your fathers.
- now stand still and let me appeal to you before the LORD about all the righteous deeds of the LORD that he did for you and for your fathers.
1 S.12.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כאשר: CONJ
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויזעקו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אבותיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוציאו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אבתיכם: NOUN,m,pl,cons+PRON,2,pl
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וישבום: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+3,m,pl
- במקום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 3:7-10 (verbal): God hears the Israelites' suffering and commissions Moses to deliver them — language parallels 1 Sam 12:8's 'your fathers cried to the LORD' and 'he sent Moses and Aaron.'
- Exodus 2:23-25 (thematic): Narrative background: Israel 'cried out' because of oppression and 'God remembered' them, matching Samuel's claim that the ancestors cried to the LORD and were delivered.
- Psalm 105:23-27 (allusion): Retells the same sequence — Jacob going to Egypt, Israel's affliction, and God sending Moses and Aaron to bring them out — closely echoing 1 Sam 12:8.
- Deuteronomy 26:5-8 (structural): Part of the liturgical confession of Israel's history: sojourning in Egypt, affliction, and the LORD bringing them out, paralleling Samuel's historical summary.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Jacob came into Egypt, your fathers cried to the LORD, and the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, and they brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.
- When Jacob came into Egypt, your fathers cried to the LORD, and the LORD sent Moses and Aaron and brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.
1 S.12.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכחו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- וימכר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סיסרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- חצור: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וביד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- וביד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וילחמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 3:8 (verbal): Uses the same language of God 'selling' Israel into the hand of a foreign king (Chushanrishathaim) as punishment for their disobedience.
- Judges 2:14-15 (verbal): Describes Israel's turning from the LORD and God giving them into the hands of raiders—part of the same cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance.
- Judges 4:2-3 (structural): Specifically names Jabin and Sisera as oppressors of Israel after they did evil, directly paralleling the mention of Sisera in 1 Samuel 12:9.
- Judges 10:7-9 (verbal): Again reports that the LORD 'sold' Israel into the hands of their enemies (e.g., Philistines and Ammonites) after they forsook him—same legal/causal motif.
- Psalm 106:40-43 (thematic): Retells Israel's repeated forgetfulness of God and consequent delivery into the hands of enemies; a liturgical summary of the same theme of punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- But they forgot the LORD their God; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab; and they fought against them.
- But they forgot the LORD their God; he delivered them into the hand of Sisera, the commander of the army of Hazor, into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.
1 S.12.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזעקו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- חטאנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- עזבנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונעבד: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הבעלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- העשתרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ועתה: CONJ
- הצילנו: VERB,hifil,impv,2,m,sg,obj:1,pl
- מיד: PREP
- איבינו: NOUN,m,pl,def+PRON,1,pl
- ונעבדך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,pl
Parallels
- Judg.10.10-16 (verbal): Israel again cries to the LORD after committing the same sin of serving Baalim and Ashtaroth; language and situation closely parallel the confession and plea for deliverance in 1 Sam 12:10.
- Judg.2.11-13 (verbal): The recurring formulaic report of apostasy—'they forsook the LORD and served Baals and Ashtaroth'—provides the wider narrative pattern behind the confession in 1 Sam 12:10.
- 2 Kgs.17.7-13 (thematic): A later retelling of Israel’s national sins that lists idolatry (serving Baals/Asheroth) as the cause of divine judgment—parallels the cause-and-effect dynamic (apostasy → need for deliverance) in 1 Sam 12:10.
- Ps.106.34-39 (thematic): The psalm recounts Israel’s repeated idolatry—serving foreign gods and engaging in pagan rites—and laments the consequences; thematically echoes the confession of sin and appeal for God’s rescue in 1 Sam 12:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then they cried to the LORD, and said, “We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and have served the Baalim and the Ashtaroth; but now deliver us from the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.”
- They cried to the LORD and said, "We have sinned; for we have forsaken the LORD and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. Now deliver us from our enemies, and we will serve you."
1 S.12.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בדן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- יפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויצל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מיד: PREP
- איביכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,pl,m
- מסביב: ADV,loc
- ותשבו: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,pl
- בטח: ADV
Parallels
- Judges 2:16-19 (thematic): Summarizes the pattern: the LORD raised up judges to deliver Israel from enemies — the same theological point made in 1 Sam 12:11.
- Judges 6:11–7:22 (allusion): Narrative of Gideon (Jerubbaal): his call and miraculous victory over the Midianites, corresponding to the naming of 'Jerubbaal' as one God sent to deliver Israel.
- Judges 4:6–15 (allusion): Account of Barak's summons and victory under Deborah against Jabin and Sisera, paralleling the mention of 'Barak' as a deliverer in 1 Sam 12:11.
- Judges 11:1–11 (esp. 11:11–12) (allusion): Jephthah's rise and conflict with Israel's enemies (Ammon); God used him as a deliverer, matching the reference to 'Jephthah' in the list.
- 1 Samuel 7:9–11 (quotation): Samuel's prayer and the LORD's deliverance of Israel from the Philistines at Mizpah — a direct, earlier episode of Samuel's role in delivering Israel echoed in 1 Sam 12:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel; and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies round about, and you lived in safety.
- And the LORD sent Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon), Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and he delivered you from your enemies round about; and you lived in safety.
1 S.12.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותראו: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נחש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- ותאמרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- כי: CONJ
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ימלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- מלככם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:7 (verbal): God tells Samuel that the people have not rejected Samuel but have rejected God as king — directly echoes the theme in 1 Sam 12:12 that the people demanded a human king though YHWH is their king.
- 1 Samuel 11:1-11 (structural): Narrative account of Nahash king of the Ammonites besieging Jabesh‑Gilead; this crisis and Saul’s deliverance there are the immediate events referred to in 1 Sam 12:12.
- Deuteronomy 17:14-20 (thematic): Rules and theological expectations for an Israelite king; provides the covenantal/legal background to the people’s request for a king and the tension between human monarchy and YHWH’s kingship.
- Judges 21:25 (thematic): “In those days there was no king in Israel…”—the book of Judges’ repeated refrain about the pre‑monarchic period contrasts with Israel’s eventual demand for a human king despite YHWH’s sovereign rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, “No; a king shall rule over us,” and the LORD your God has given you a king.
- When you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, "No; but a king shall reign over us"—when the LORD your God was your king.
1 S.12.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- הנה: PART
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בחרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שאלתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- והנה: ADV
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:7,22 (thematic): God tells Samuel to grant the people a king and later affirms that a king will be set over them — anticipatory/background material for Samuel’s declaration that the LORD has given them a king.
- 1 Samuel 10:24 (verbal): Samuel’s public identification of Saul echoes the language of divine appointment (’Behold the man whom the LORD has chosen’), paralleling the announcement ’behold the king… the LORD has set a king over you.’
- Deuteronomy 17:14-15 (structural): Prescribes the institution of a human king ’when you come to the land’; provides the legal/constitutional framework for Israel appointing a king, which Samuel’s statement presumes.
- Judges 8:22-23 (thematic): The people’s request that someone rule over them (here Gideon offered kingship) parallels Israel’s desire for a human ruler; Gideon’s refusal contrasts Samuel’s acknowledgment that God has given them what they asked.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now behold the king whom you have chosen, whom you asked for; behold, the LORD has set a king over you.
- Now therefore behold the king whom you have chosen, the one for whom you asked; behold, the LORD has set a king over you.
1 S.12.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועבדתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ושמעתם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בקלו: PREP
- ולא: CONJ
- תמרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והיתם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- וגם: CONJ
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- אחר: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (verbal): Presents the choice of blessing or curse and links obedience to God’s voice with blessing—uses conditional language similar to 1 Sam 12:14’s “if you fear/serve/obey… then” formulation.
- Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (thematic): Promises national blessing if the people obey the LORD’s commands; echoes the theme that communal obedience brings continued welfare for people and their ruler.
- Joshua 23:11-13 (thematic): Joshua’s charge to ‘be very brave to keep and do all that is written’ and warning that turning from the LORD brings destruction parallels the call to fear, serve, and not rebel against the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 15:2-4 (verbal): Asa’s reform-era proclamation (‘the LORD is with you while you are with him… if you seek him he will be found; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you’) echoes the conditional promise of divine presence and blessing tied to fidelity found in 1 Sam 12:14.
- 1 Samuel 12:15 (structural): Immediate negative counterpart in the same speech: if you do not obey, the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king—part of the same rhetorical conditional structure within the pericope.
Alternative generated candidates
- If you fear the LORD and serve him, and obey his voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who rules over you will follow the LORD your God.
- If you fear the LORD and serve him, and obey his voice and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue after the LORD your God.
1 S.12.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשמעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומריתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והיתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ובאבתיכם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 28:15 (verbal): Promises curses if Israel does not obey the LORD—language and formula ('if you will not obey/hearken') closely parallel Samuel's warning that the hand of the LORD will be against them.
- Deuteronomy 31:17-18 (thematic): God warns that He will be angry, hide His face, and allow disaster when Israel turns from Him—themes of divine withdrawal and judgment echoed in Samuel's threat.
- 1 Samuel 12:25 (structural): Immediate follow-up in the same speech: reiterates the consequence of persisting in wickedness ('you shall be swept away'), forming a contiguous threat with v.15.
- Jeremiah 11:11 (thematic): Declares that because Israel broke the covenant God will bring calamity upon them—same covenantal framework linking disobedience to divine judgment as in Samuel 12:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, and you rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and against your fathers.
- But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, and you rebel against the command of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and against your fathers.
1 S.12.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- עתה: ADV
- התיצבו: VERB,hitp,perf,2,m,pl
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעיניכם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,2mp
Parallels
- Exodus 14:13 (verbal): Moses commands the people 'Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD'—a near verbal parallel to 'stand and see the great thing which the LORD will do' (both call the people to observe a decisive act of God).
- 2 Chronicles 20:17 (verbal): The people are told 'set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD'—same imperative to stand and witness God's deliverance, used in a prophetic/military context like 1 Sam 12.
- Joshua 3:5 (thematic): Joshua tells the people to sanctify themselves because 'tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you'—thematically parallel in preparing the people to witness a coming mighty act of God.
- Psalm 66:5 (thematic): Psalm summons the reader to 'see the works of God, his awesome deeds,' echoing the call in 1 Sam 12 to behold the great thing the LORD has done—both emphasize observing God's mighty acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.
- Now therefore stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.
1 S.12.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הלוא: PART
- קציר: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- חטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אקרא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,NA,pl
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- רעתכם: NOUN,f,sg,cons,2,pl
- רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:7-9 (thematic): Same episode of Israel demanding a king and God’s disapproval — Samuel is to warn the people about the consequences of asking for a monarch.
- 1 Samuel 12:14-16 (structural): Immediate context: Samuel contrasts obedience and disobedience and then announces the forthcoming sign (vv.16–17) to demonstrate the seriousness of their sin in asking for a king.
- 1 Kings 18:41-45 (thematic): Elijah’s prayer for rain after a drought and the subsequent heavenly response parallels Samuel’s calling on the LORD to send rain/thunder as a divine sign.
- Deuteronomy 11:13-17 (allusion): Promises and warnings linking Israel’s covenant faithfulness to the giving or withholding of rain — theological background for using rain as a sign of blessing or judgment.
- Amos 4:7 (thematic): God’s control over rain (withholding or sending it) used to discipline or correct Israel, echoing the motif of rain as an instrument of divine response to the people’s behavior.
Alternative generated candidates
- Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the LORD, and he will give thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great in asking for yourselves a king.”
- Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the LORD, and he will send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking for yourselves a king."
1 S.12.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויירא: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאד: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:41-45 (verbal): Elijah prays for the end of the drought and after his intercession a heavy rain comes—parallel to Samuel's cry and the LORD providing thunder and rain in response to a prophet's appeal.
- James 5:17-18 (allusion): The NT cites Elijah's prayer that brought rain (cf. 1 Kgs 18); this recalls the pattern of prophetic intercession producing rain as in Samuel's cry and God's immediate response.
- Psalm 29:3-9 (thematic): Describes thunder as the voice of the LORD and a manifestation of his majesty—parallels the report that God gave thunder (a divine revelation) causing the people to fear.
- Psalm 18:7-15 (thematic): Portrays the LORD thundering from heaven, earth shaking and people fearing—similar imagery of divine thunder and the people's fear in response to God's action at Samuel's prayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD gave thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
- So Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
1 S.12.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- התפלל: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,sg
- בעד: PREP
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- נמות: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,pl
- כי: CONJ
- יספנו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg,obj:1,pl
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- חטאתינו: NOUN,f,pl,def,1pl
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לשאל: VERB,qal,inf
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:6-9 (thematic): The people's demand for a king is narrated and condemned here; 1 Sam 12:19 acknowledges that asking for a king was an added sin.
- 1 Samuel 12:23 (verbal): Samuel's immediate reply—he will pray for the people and not cease interceding—directly answers the people's plea in 12:19.
- Judges 8:22-23 (thematic): Israelites likewise ask Gideon to rule over them as king; Gideon's refusal contrasts with Israel's later insistence on monarchy in Samuel.
- Deuteronomy 17:14-20 (structural): The law's provisions for a future king show the institutional and theological framework for kingship that underlies the request condemned in 1 Samuel.
- Exodus 32:11-14 (allusion): Moses' intercession for Israel after their sin parallels the people's appeal to Samuel to pray for them and highlights the leader's role as mediator.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.”
- All the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king for ourselves."
1 S.12.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- עשיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- אך: PART
- אל: NEG
- תסורו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מאחרי: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועבדתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבכם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 12:24 (verbal): Same speech/chapter: Samuel again exhorts the people to ‘fear the LORD and serve him... with all your heart,’ repeating the call not to abandon YHWH.
- 1 Samuel 12:14 (thematic): Immediate parallel within the chapter establishing the covenant condition — if you fear and serve the LORD and obey his voice, you and your king will continue following God.
- Deuteronomy 11:13 (verbal): Covenant formula: obedience is linked with fearing and serving God ‘with all your heart and with all your soul,’ echoing the wholehearted service Samuel demands.
- Joshua 24:14-15 (thematic): Joshua’s farewell charge to ‘fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity’ and to choose whom to serve parallels Samuel’s exhortation to remain faithful to YHWH.
- 1 Kings 8:61 (thematic): Solomon’s prayerful injunction that the people let their heart be wholly true to the LORD and walk in his statutes echoes the call to wholehearted service and faithfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
- And Samuel said to the people, "Do not be afraid; you have done all this wickedness, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
1 S.12.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- תסורו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אחרי: PREP
- התהו: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- יועילו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- יצילו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- תהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 10:14 (thematic): Both passages warn Israel against turning to other gods that will not help or save them—urging the people not to pursue worthless deities who cannot deliver in time of trouble.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (verbal): Explicitly describes idols as powerless and unresponsive—‘their idols are silver and gold…those who make them become like them’—echoing the claim that such things ‘will not help nor save.’
- Habakkuk 2:18-19 (verbal): Challenges the profit and efficacy of idols (‘What profit is the idol... that its maker should trust in it?’), paralleling the denunciation of pursuing vain things that cannot deliver.
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (thematic): A sustained polemic against idolatry portraying images as utterly futile and deceptive, reinforcing 1 Sam 12:21’s theme that pursuing such ‘vanity’ yields no help or salvation.
- Jeremiah 10:14-15 (thematic): Denounces the craftsman and his lifeless creation—‘their molten images are false…there is no breath in them’—supporting the warning not to follow things that are vain and cannot save.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not turn aside; for then you would follow emptiness that will not profit or deliver—for it is nothing.
- Do not turn aside; for then you would go after vain things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are vanity."
1 S.12.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יטש: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בעבור: PREP
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- הואיל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): Assures Israel that the LORD will not leave or forsake them — a direct verbal parallel to God’s refusal to abandon his people.
- Deuteronomy 7:6-8 (thematic): Explains Israel’s status as God’s chosen people (not by merit but by God’s choice), echoing ‘he has chosen you to be a people unto himself.’
- 1 Kings 8:57-58 (thematic): Solomon’s blessing/prayer asks that the LORD be with Israel and not leave or forsake them, reflecting the same confidence in God’s preservation of his people for his name.
- Psalm 94:14 (verbal): States explicitly that the LORD will not cast off his people nor forsake his inheritance — a close verbal and theological parallel about God’s faithfulness.
- Isaiah 43:1-3 (thematic): God declares Israel as his and promises deliverance and preservation, connecting the themes of election and God’s continuing care for his people.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake; because it pleased the LORD to make you his people.
- For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because the LORD has chosen you to be a people to himself.
1 S.12.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- חלילה: INTJ
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מחטא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מחדל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להתפלל: VERB,hitp,inf
- בעדכם: PREP,2,mp
- והוריתי: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,1,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הטובה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- והישרה: CONJ+ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 32:11,32 (thematic): Moses intercedes on Israel's behalf (pleading with God and even offering himself), paralleling Samuel's role as mediator who will not cease praying for the people.
- Ezekiel 22:30 (thematic): God seeks someone to 'stand in the gap' and intercede for the land; echoes Samuel's commitment to pray and act as a spiritual intercessor for Israel.
- Jeremiah 7:16 (thematic): A contrasting prophetic instruction—Jeremiah is told not to pray for the people because judgment is fixed—highlighting Samuel's opposite stance of persistent intercession.
- Deuteronomy 4:5-8 (thematic): Moses' teaching of God's statutes to the people and the nations parallels Samuel's promise to 'teach you the good and right way,' emphasizing the teacher-leader function.
- James 5:16 (thematic): The New Testament exhortation that the prayer of a righteous person avails much and believers should pray for one another resonates with Samuel's refusal to cease praying on behalf of the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moreover as for me, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will instruct you in the good and right way.
- Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will teach you the good and the right way.
1 S.12.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- יראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועבדתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- באמת: ADV
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבכם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- כי: CONJ
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הגדל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 10:12 (verbal): Nearly identical injunction: 'now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you... to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.'
- Joshua 24:14 (verbal): Joshua's renewal contains the same call: 'Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness' — a direct exhortation to fear and serve the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 6:5 (thematic): Commands wholehearted devotion ('with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might'), echoing 1 Sam 12:24's call to serve God with the whole heart.
- Psalm 2:11 (thematic): Associates fear of the LORD with service: 'Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling,' linking reverent fear and covenantal service.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 (thematic): Final admonition—'Fear God and keep his commandments'—summarizes human duty in a way that parallels the summons to fear and serve God in 1 Samuel 12:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.
- Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider the great things he has done for you.
1 S.12.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- הרע: ADJ,m,sg,def
- תרעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- מלככם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,pl
- תספו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:11-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about the negative consequences of having a king—burdens on the people and their cries—parallels the warning that evil conduct will bring ruin for both people and king.
- 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (thematic): Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience and the announcement that his kingdom will be torn away parallels the principle that a king and people suffer when they act wickedly.
- 1 Samuel 15:23-28 (structural): Samuel's declaration that God has rejected Saul for rejecting God's word shows the concrete outcome promised when a king (and by extension the nation) fails to obey—echoing 12:25’s mutual consequence of evil.
- Deuteronomy 28:15,20-22 (allusion): The covenant curses for national disobedience—calamities that befall the land and its rulers—provide the wider Deuteronomic background for the warning that people's and king's wickedness brings collective disaster.
- 2 Samuel 12:10-12 (thematic): Nathan's oracle against David—saying the sword will not depart from his house because of his sin—illustrates the motif that a ruler's wrongdoing brings enduring punishment on both his house and the nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if you still act wickedly, both you and your king will perish.”
- But if you still do wickedly, you and your king shall perish."
And Samuel said to all Israel, 'Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and I have appointed a king over you.'
'And now, behold, the king walks before you; and I am old and gray, and my sons are with you; and I have walked before you from my youth until this day.'
'Behold, here I stand; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose donkey have I taken? whom have I wronged? whom have I oppressed? of whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.' And they said, 'You have not wronged us, you have not oppressed us, you have not taken anything from anyone's hand.' And he said to them, 'The LORD and his anointed be witnesses against you this day that you have found nothing in my hand.' And they said, 'He is witness.'
Then Samuel said to the people, 'It is the LORD who made Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.'
'Now stand and let me plead with you before the LORD, of all the righteous acts of the LORD that he has done for you and for your fathers.'
'When Jacob came into Egypt, your fathers cried to the LORD, and the LORD sent Moses and Aaron and brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.'
'But they forgot the LORD their God; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.'
'Then they cried to the LORD and said, "We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth; now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you."'
'And the LORD sent Jerubbaal and Bedan and Jephthah and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hands of your enemies round about; and you lived in safety.'
'And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was coming against you, you said to me, "No; set a king over us," though the LORD your God was your king.'
'And now behold the king whom you have chosen, whom you asked for; behold, the LORD has set a king over you.'
'If you will fear the LORD and serve him, and obey his voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God.'
'But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, and rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and against your fathers.'
'Now therefore stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.'
'Is not the wheat harvest today? I will call upon the LORD, and he will send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD by asking for yourselves a king.' And Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD gave thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel, 'Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.' And Samuel said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; you have done all this wickedness, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.'
'Do not turn aside; for then you would go after vain things that cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vanity.'
'For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake; because it pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.'
'As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will teach you the good and the right way.'
'Only fear the LORD, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.'
'But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king shall perish.'