1 Samuel 12: Samuel's farewell speech to Israel
A free study, verse by verse. Text: World English Bible. Notes come from the Hebrew. How to read a study
What happens?
Samuel stands before all Israel and asks them to say, before Yahweh and his anointed, whether he has ever taken anything from anyone; they say he has not. He reminds them of what Yahweh did from Moses and Aaron to the judges, and says that when Nahash came against them they asked for a king, though Yahweh their God was their king. He tells them to fear and serve Yahweh, they and their king, and warns that if they rebel, Yahweh's hand will be against them. At Samuel's call Yahweh sends thunder and rain at the wheat harvest; the people are afraid and ask him to pray for them, and Samuel tells them not to be afraid but to serve Yahweh with all their heart, and says he will not stop praying for them.
Who is speaking?
The narrator tells the story. No verse is in gold. Samuel speaks to all Israel in verses 1 to 3, 5 to 17 and 20 to 25. When he speaks of what Yahweh did and will do, these are Samuel's own words, not words spoken by Yahweh, so they are not in gold. Inside his words, verse 10 gives what the fathers cried to Yahweh, and verse 12 what the people said to Samuel. The people answer him in verses 4, 5 and 19. Verse 18 tells, in the narrator's words, that Yahweh sent thunder and rain. God's own words are printed in gold, and those verses are marked God speaks
1Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you.
In plain English: Samuel said to all Israel, "Look, I have listened to you (literally: to your voice) in everything you said to me, and I have set a king over you.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
2Now, behold, the king walks before you. I am old and gray-headed. Behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth to this day.
In plain English: Now look, the king walks in front of you. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked in front of you from my youth until today.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
3Here I am. Witness against me before Yahweh and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Of whose hand have I taken a bribe to make me blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.”
In plain English: Here I am. Answer (this Bible: witness) against me before Yahweh and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated (this Bible: defrauded)? Whom have I crushed (this Bible: oppressed)? From whose hand have I taken a bribe (or: a ransom) to close my eyes (literally: to hide my eyes with it)? I will pay it back to you."
The Hebrew word: "Bribe" here is kopher, which the dictionary gives as "properly, a cover ... figuratively, a redemption-price". This Bible says "bribe". "His anointed" is mashiach, the word explained in the note on : here it is the king Samuel has just spoken of (verses 1 and 2).
What changes: Read as "a bribe", Samuel asks if he ever took a payment to look away from wrong. Read as "a ransom", he asks if he ever took a price paid to buy someone free. The old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) has "a bribe, even to a sandal".
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
4They said, “You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything from anyone’s hand.”
In plain English: They said, "You have not cheated us or crushed us (this Bible: defrauded us, nor oppressed us), and you have not taken anything from anyone's hand."
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
5He said to them, “Yahweh is witness against you, and his anointed is witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” They said, “He is witness.”
In plain English: He said to them, "Yahweh is witness against you, and his anointed is witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand." They (literally: he) said, "He is witness."
Good to know: The Hebrew ends "and he said, Witness", as if one person spoke. This Bible and the old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) give it as the people answering: "They said, He is witness."
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
6Samuel said to the people, “It is Yahweh who appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
In plain English: Samuel said to the people, "It is Yahweh who appointed (literally: made) Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
7Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Yahweh concerning all the righteous acts of Yahweh, which he did to you and to your fathers.
In plain English: So now, stand here (literally: present yourselves), so that I may argue the case (this Bible: plead; or: judge) with you before Yahweh about all the righteous acts of Yahweh, which he did for you and for your fathers.
The Hebrew word: "Plead" is a form of shaphat, "to judge", the word explained in the note on . The old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) has "I will judge you before the Lord".
What changes: Read as "argue the case", Samuel sets out the case with the people, as in a court. Read as "judge you", he gives his verdict on them before Yahweh. Either way, verses 8 to 12 go through what Yahweh did for them.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
8“When Jacob had come into Egypt, and your fathers cried to Yahweh, then Yahweh sent Moses and Aaron, who brought your fathers out of Egypt, and made them to dwell in this place.
In plain English: "When Jacob had gone into Egypt, and your fathers cried out to Yahweh, Yahweh sent Moses and Aaron. They brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
9But they forgot Yahweh their God; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain 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.
In plain English: But they forgot Yahweh their God, and he sold 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.
Good to know: Samuel points back to the book of Judges: Sisera, the commander of the army of Jabin, who reigned in Hazor (); the Philistines ( and ); and Eglon the king of Moab ().
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
10They cried to Yahweh, and said, ‘We have sinned, because we have forsaken Yahweh and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth; but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.’
In plain English: They cried out to Yahweh and said, 'We have sinned, because we have left (this Bible: forsaken) Yahweh and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. But now rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.'
Good to know: The people cried out to Yahweh in much the same words in : "We have sinned against you, even because we have forsaken our God, and have served the Baals."
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
11Yahweh sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety.
In plain English: Yahweh sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah and Samuel, and rescued you from the hand of your enemies on every side, and you lived in safety.
Good to know: Jerubbaal is Gideon (). No judge named Bedan is in the book of Judges, and the only other Bedan in this Bible is a man of Manasseh in . The dictionary in this collection says the name is "probably shortened for" Abdon, a judge named in . The old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) has "Barac", that is, Barak (). The text does not explain the name. Samuel names himself last in the list.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
12“When you saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when Yahweh your God was your king.
In plain English: "When you saw that Nahash the king of the Ammonites was coming against you, you said to me, 'No, a king shall reign over us,' when Yahweh your God was your king.
Good to know: In the elders give their reason for asking for a king: Samuel is old, and his sons do not walk in his ways. Here Samuel ties the request to Nahash the Ammonite (see ). The text gives both and does not explain how they fit together.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
13Now therefore see the king whom you have chosen and whom you have asked for. Behold, Yahweh has set a king over you.
In plain English: So now, here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for. Look, Yahweh has set a king over you.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
14If you will fear Yahweh, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then both you and also the king who reigns over you are followers of Yahweh your God.
In plain English: If you will fear Yahweh, serve him, listen to his voice, and not rebel against Yahweh's command (literally: mouth), then both you and the king who reigns over you will be followers of Yahweh your God (literally: will be after Yahweh your God; or, read as one more "if": and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow Yahweh your God).
Good to know: The Hebrew ends, word by word, "and you will be, both you and the king who reigns over you, after Yahweh your God". This Bible reads it as the result: you will be followers of Yahweh. It can also be read as one more "if", with no result spoken. The old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) reads it as one more "if" and then adds one word: "should follow the Lord, well".
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
15But if you will not listen to Yahweh’s voice, but rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then Yahweh’s hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.
In plain English: But if you will not listen to Yahweh's voice, and rebel against Yahweh's command, then Yahweh's hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers (literally: against you and against your fathers).
Good to know: The Hebrew has "against you and against your fathers". This Bible gives it as "as it was against your fathers". The old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) has "upon you and upon your king".
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
16“Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes.
In plain English: "So now, stand here and see this great thing that Yahweh is about to do before your eyes.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
17Isn’t it wheat harvest today? I will call to Yahweh, that he may send thunder and rain; and you will know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in Yahweh’s sight, in asking for a king.”
In plain English: Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call to Yahweh, so that he sends thunder (literally: voices) and rain. Then you will know and see that the evil you have done in Yahweh's sight is great, in asking for a king for yourselves."
Good to know: "Thunder" is literally "voices", the same word as "voice" in verses 14 and 15. The text does not explain why thunder and rain at wheat harvest is a sign. speaks of "rain in harvest" as something out of place: "Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool."
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
18So Samuel called to Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel.
In plain English: So Samuel called to Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day. All the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
19All 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.”
In plain English: All the people said to Samuel, "Pray to Yahweh your God for your servants, so that we do not die, because we have added this evil to all our sins, in asking for a king for ourselves."
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
20Samuel said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet don’t turn away from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart.
In plain English: Samuel said to the people, "Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil, yet do not turn away from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
21Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain.
In plain English: Do not turn aside to go after empty things (this Bible: vain things), which cannot help (this Bible: profit) or rescue, because they are empty.
The Hebrew word: "Vain things" is tohu, which the dictionary gives as "a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; figuratively, a worthless thing". It is the word for "formless" in , "The earth was formless and empty". In 1 Samuel it is only in this verse. The old Greek translation in this collection (Brenton) has "the gods that are nothing".
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
22For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself.
In plain English: For Yahweh will not abandon (this Bible: forsake) his people, for the sake of his great name, because Yahweh has been pleased (or: has been willing) to make you a people for himself.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
23Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
In plain English: As for me, far be it from me to sin against Yahweh by no longer praying for you. I will teach (this Bible: instruct) you the good and right way.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
24Only fear Yahweh, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.
In plain English: Only fear Yahweh and serve him faithfully (this Bible: in truth) with all your heart, for think what great things he has done for you.
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.
25But if you keep doing evil, you will be consumed, both you and your king.”
In plain English: But if you go on doing evil, you will be swept away (this Bible: consumed), both you and your king."
Show the HebrewHide the Hebrew
How to say it (the stressed part in bold), the Hebrew word, and what it means. Tap a word with a dotted line to open its word study.