1 Samuel 12:12-25

Complete Jewish Bible

¹² When you saw that Nachash the king of the people of ‘Amon was attacking you, you said to me, “No, we want a king to rule over us” — when Adonai your God was your king. ¹³ Now, here’s the king you have chosen, the one you asked for. See, Adonai has put a king over you. ¹⁴ If you will fear Adonai, serve him, obey what he says and not rebel against Adonai’s orders — if both you and the king ruling you remain followers of Adonai your God — [then things will go well for you.] ¹⁵ But if you refuse to obey what Adonai says and rebel against Adonai’s orders, then Adonai will oppress both you and your leaders.

¹⁶ “Now therefore, hold still; and see the great deed which Adonai will perform before your very eyes. ¹⁷ Now is wheat harvest time, isn’t it? I am going to call on Adonai to send thunder and rain. Then you will understand and see how wicked from Adonai’s viewpoint is the thing you have done in asking for a king.” ¹⁸ Sh’mu’el called to Adonai, and Adonai sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people became very much afraid of Adonai and Sh’mu’el. ¹⁹ All the people said to Sh’mu’el, “Pray to Adonai your God for your servants, so that we won’t die; because to all our other sins now we’ve added this evil as well, asking for a king over us.” ²⁰ Sh’mu’el answered the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet now, just don’t turn away from following Adonai; but serve Adonai with all your heart. ²¹ Don’t turn to the side; because then you would go after useless things that can neither help nor rescue, they are so futile. ²² For the sake of his great reputation, Adonai will not abandon his people; because it has pleased Adonai to make you a people for himself. ²³ As for me, far be it from me to sin against Adonai by ceasing to pray for you! Rather, I will continue instructing you in the good and right way. ²⁴ Only fear Adonai, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for think what great things he has done for you! ²⁵ However, if you insist on doing wicked things, you will be swept away — both you and your king!”