1 samuel 12:19 - All the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.”
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What does "1 samuel 12:19" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 12:19, comes at the end of a pivotal moment in the Old Testament where the Israelites have demanded a king, something that Samuel (their prophet and judge) warned them against. The verse highlights their repentance and fear after realizing the gravity of their decision. Let's break down the meaning:
"All the people said to Samuel...": This emphasizes the universality of their fear and regret. The entire nation is acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God...": They are asking Samuel to intercede on their behalf. They recognize Samuel's close relationship with God and trust that his prayer will be effective. By calling themselves "servants" they're acknowledging Yahweh's authority, which they've seemingly questioned by asking for a king.
"...that we not die...": This is a direct expression of fear. They believe their actions have angered God to the point of deserving death. Samuel has just demonstrated God's power by sending thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, an unusual event that underscored God's displeasure.
"...for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.": This is the key to understanding the verse. They are confessing that demanding a king was a sin, a wrongdoing in the eyes of God. They view it as compounding their existing sins, making their situation even worse. They acknowledge the "evil" nature of their request. They see it as a rejection of God's direct leadership.
In summary, the verse conveys the following:
Recognition of Sin: The people realize that demanding a king was a serious offense against God.
Fear of Divine Retribution: They fear that God will punish them for their sin, potentially with death.
Dependence on Intercession: They turn to Samuel, hoping that his prayers will avert God's wrath.
Acknowledging God's Authority: Their use of terms like "servants" and "Yahweh your God" signifies their recognition of God's ultimate authority, which they had seemingly disregarded.
The verse is significant because it shows the Israelites' initial reaction to the establishment of the monarchy. It's a mixture of excitement for a new system of governance and fear of God's judgment for rejecting His rule. The Israelites are facing the consequences of their free will and recognizing the potential ramifications of their choice. It highlights the tension between their desire for a king and their covenant relationship with God.
1 samuel 12:19 - All the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.”
What does "1 samuel 12:19" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 12:19, comes at the end of a pivotal moment in the Old Testament where the Israelites have demanded a king, something that Samuel (their prophet and judge) warned them against. The verse highlights their repentance and fear after realizing the gravity of their decision. Let's break down the meaning:
"All the people said to Samuel...": This emphasizes the universality of their fear and regret. The entire nation is acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God...": They are asking Samuel to intercede on their behalf. They recognize Samuel's close relationship with God and trust that his prayer will be effective. By calling themselves "servants" they're acknowledging Yahweh's authority, which they've seemingly questioned by asking for a king.
"...that we not die...": This is a direct expression of fear. They believe their actions have angered God to the point of deserving death. Samuel has just demonstrated God's power by sending thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, an unusual event that underscored God's displeasure.
"...for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.": This is the key to understanding the verse. They are confessing that demanding a king was a sin, a wrongdoing in the eyes of God. They view it as compounding their existing sins, making their situation even worse. They acknowledge the "evil" nature of their request. They see it as a rejection of God's direct leadership.
In summary, the verse conveys the following:
Recognition of Sin: The people realize that demanding a king was a serious offense against God.
Fear of Divine Retribution: They fear that God will punish them for their sin, potentially with death.
Dependence on Intercession: They turn to Samuel, hoping that his prayers will avert God's wrath.
Acknowledging God's Authority: Their use of terms like "servants" and "Yahweh your God" signifies their recognition of God's ultimate authority, which they had seemingly disregarded.
The verse is significant because it shows the Israelites' initial reaction to the establishment of the monarchy. It's a mixture of excitement for a new system of governance and fear of God's judgment for rejecting His rule. The Israelites are facing the consequences of their free will and recognizing the potential ramifications of their choice. It highlights the tension between their desire for a king and their covenant relationship with God.