If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. If you fear the LORDThe phrase "fear the LORD" is rooted in the Hebrew word "yare," which encompasses a profound reverence and awe for God. This fear is not about terror but about recognizing God's majesty and holiness. Historically, the Israelites were called to fear the LORD as a foundational aspect of their covenant relationship with Him. This reverence is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 9:10) and is essential for a life that honors God. In a conservative Christian perspective, fearing the LORD is about acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning one's life with His will. and serve Him
The Hebrew word for "serve" is "abad," which implies worship, labor, and devotion. Serving God is an act of worship that goes beyond mere ritual; it is a lifestyle of dedication and submission to His authority. In the historical context of Israel, serving God meant adhering to His commandments and statutes. For Christians today, it involves living out one's faith through actions that reflect God's love and righteousness. and obey His voice
To "obey His voice" is to heed God's commands and instructions. The Hebrew word "shama" means to listen with the intent to act. Throughout Scripture, obedience is a key theme, as it demonstrates trust in God's wisdom and goodness. In the context of 1 Samuel, Samuel is reminding the Israelites that their prosperity and peace depend on their obedience to God. For believers, obedience is a response to God's grace and a demonstration of faith. and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD
Rebellion against God's command is a recurring issue in Israel's history, often leading to dire consequences. The Hebrew word "marah" means to be contentious or disobedient. Samuel warns the people that rebellion leads to separation from God and His blessings. In a conservative Christian view, rebellion is seen as sin, which disrupts fellowship with God. The call is to remain faithful and submissive to God's will. then both you and the king who reigns over you
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of Israel's covenant with God. The king and the people are bound together in their responsibility to follow God. Historically, the king was to lead by example, guiding the nation in righteousness. In a Christian context, this underscores the importance of godly leadership and the collective responsibility of the community to uphold God's standards. will follow the LORD your God
To "follow the LORD" is to walk in His ways and live according to His principles. The Hebrew word "halak" means to walk or go, indicating a continuous journey of faith. This phrase encapsulates the promise of blessing and guidance for those who remain faithful. For Christians, following the LORD involves discipleship, growing in Christlikeness, and living out the Gospel in everyday life. It is a call to steadfastness and commitment to God's path. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. He is delivering this message to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who have demanded a king to rule over them like other nations. 3. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is being addressed indirectly in this passage. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who desires obedience and reverence from His people. 5. GilgalThe place where Samuel delivered this speech, significant as a site of covenant renewal. Teaching Points Fear of the LORDCultivate a reverent awe of God, recognizing His holiness and authority in your life. Service to GodEngage in active service to God, understanding that true service is rooted in love and obedience. Obedience to God's VoicePrioritize listening to and following God's commands as revealed in Scripture. Avoiding RebellionGuard against the temptation to rebel against God's commands, knowing that rebellion leads to spiritual consequences. Leadership and AccountabilityRecognize the importance of godly leadership and the mutual responsibility of leaders and followers to adhere to God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fear of the LORD influence your daily decisions and actions? 2. In what ways can you actively serve God in your current context, and how does this align with the call in 1 Samuel 12:14? 3. Reflect on a time when you struggled with obedience to God's voice. What steps can you take to improve your responsiveness to His commands? 4. How can you identify and resist areas of rebellion in your life against God's commands? 5. Consider the role of leadership in your community or church. How can you support and encourage leaders to follow the LORD, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:14? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 10:12-13This passage emphasizes the importance of fearing the LORD, walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments, which aligns with the call to obedience in 1 Samuel 12:14. Joshua 24:14-15Joshua's call to serve the LORD with sincerity and truth parallels Samuel's exhortation to the Israelites. Proverbs 9:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, highlighting the foundational role of reverence for God in the life of believers. John 14:15Jesus' teaching that love for Him is demonstrated through obedience to His commands echoes the call to obey God's voice in 1 Samuel 12:14. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics TRUE, Commandment, Commands, Continue, Fear, Follow, Followers, Hearing, Hearken, Hearkened, Listen, Mouth, Obey, Orders, Provoke, Rebel, Reigned, Reigneth, Reigns, Ruling, Servants, Serve, Served, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:14 8208 commitment, to God 1 Samuel 12:12-15 5366 king
5370 kingship, human 1 Samuel 12:14-15 5896 irreverence
6222 rebellion, against God
8404 commands, in OT Library Old Truth for a New Epoch
'Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over yon. 14. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall both ye, and also the king that reigneth over you, continue following the Lord your God: 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Old Judge and the Young King
'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
? Perseverance of the Saints--"The Final Perseverance of Believers in Christ Jesus," by William O'Neill (message 5). The Rev. C. H. SPURGEON took the chair at 3 o'clock. The proceedings were commenced by singing the 21st Hymn-- Saved from the damning power of sin, The law's tremendous curse, We'll now the sacred song begin Where God began with us. We'll sing the vast unmeasured grace Which, from the days of old, Did all his chosen sons embrace, As sheep within the fold. The basis of eternal love …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
"Thou restrainest prayer before God."--JOB xv. 4. "What profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?"--JOB xxi. 15. "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."--1 SAM. xii. 23. "Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you."--JOSH. vii. 12. Any deep quickening of the spiritual life of the Church will always be accompanied by a deeper sense of sin. This will not begin with theology; that can only give expression to what God works …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 12:14 NIV1 Samuel 12:14 NLT1 Samuel 12:14 ESV1 Samuel 12:14 NASB1 Samuel 12:14 KJV
1 Samuel 12:14 Commentaries
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