1 samuel 12:16 - “Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 12:16

What does "1 samuel 12:16" mean?


In 1 Samuel 12:16, the prophet Samuel is speaking to the Israelites who have just asked for a king, something that displeased God. They've recognized their sin and asked Samuel to pray for them. This verse, "“Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes," is a pivotal moment where Samuel is demonstrating God's power and displeasure, even though God has granted their request for a king.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"Now therefore stand still...": This is a command to be still, to be observant, and to pay attention. It's an instruction to stop their activities and focus on what is about to happen. It also implies an element of reverence and anticipation.
"...and see this great thing...": Samuel is about to perform a miracle, a supernatural event, that will serve as a sign or demonstration of God's power and his displeasure with their request for a king. The phrase "great thing" emphasizes the significance and magnitude of what is about to occur.
"...which Yahweh will do before your eyes.": This is the crucial part. It emphasizes that the "great thing" is not Samuel's doing but God's. "Yahweh" is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of their special relationship with Him. The phrase "before your eyes" stresses the public and undeniable nature of the miracle. It's meant to be a clear and unambiguous sign from God that they cannot ignore.

In summary, the verse means:

Samuel is commanding the Israelites to stop and witness a powerful demonstration of God's power, which will serve as a sign of God's displeasure with their request for a king. It is a dramatic moment where God uses a supernatural event to reinforce his message and remind them of their covenant relationship with Him. This verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance. It reminds them that despite getting what they asked for, their actions have consequences, and they need to recognize God's authority and power.

In the broader context of 1 Samuel 12, this verse highlights:

God's Sovereignty: Even though God allows the Israelites to have a king, He still demonstrates His control over nature and events.
Consequences of Disobedience: The miracle is a sign that their desire for a king, though granted, was a rejection of God as their true king.
God's Mercy: Despite their sin, God still provides a way for them to acknowledge their error and seek forgiveness through Samuel's intercession.

Following this verse, Samuel calls upon the Lord, and God sends thunder and rain (which was unusual for that time of year), further emphasizing the "great thing" and prompting the Israelites to fear the Lord and Samuel.

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