1 Samuel 12:17

Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king."

Study Bible

Is it not wheat harvest today?
The phrase "wheat harvest" refers to a specific time in the agricultural calendar of ancient Israel, typically occurring in late spring or early summer. This period was crucial for the agrarian society, as it was a time of gathering sustenance for the coming year. The wheat harvest was usually a dry season, making the mention of rain particularly significant. In the Hebrew context, the wheat harvest symbolizes a time of completion and provision. Samuel's reference to the wheat harvest underscores the miraculous nature of the impending storm, as rain during this time would be unexpected and thus a clear sign of divine intervention.

I will call on the LORD
The act of calling on the LORD signifies a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by trust and faith. In Hebrew, the word for "call" (קָרָא, qara) implies a vocal and earnest appeal. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, demonstrates his role as an intercessor between God and the people. His confidence in calling upon the LORD reflects his unwavering faith and the authority given to him by God. This phrase also highlights the power of prayer and the belief that God listens and responds to the petitions of His faithful servants.

and He will send thunder and rain
Thunder and rain during the wheat harvest would have been seen as a divine act, as these elements were not typical for the season. In the ancient Near Eastern context, thunder and rain were often associated with the power and presence of God. The Hebrew word for thunder (רַעַם, raam) conveys a sense of awe and fear, while rain (מָטָר, matar) symbolizes blessing and judgment. This miraculous event serves as a tangible demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to control nature. It also acts as a sign of His displeasure with Israel's request for a king, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions.

So you will know and see
The phrase "know and see" indicates a dual process of understanding and perceiving. In Hebrew, "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies an intimate, experiential knowledge, while "see" (רָאָה, raah) suggests a visual confirmation. Samuel's intention is for the Israelites to gain both intellectual and sensory awareness of their wrongdoing. This combination of knowing and seeing underscores the importance of recognizing God's hand in the events and the need for the people to acknowledge their sin.

what a great evil you have done
The term "great evil" highlights the severity of Israel's sin in asking for a king. In the Hebrew context, "evil" (רָעָה, raah) denotes something morally wrong or harmful. By describing their action as a "great evil," Samuel emphasizes the gravity of their rejection of God's kingship. This phrase serves as a call to repentance, urging the Israelites to recognize the magnitude of their transgression and the need to return to God.

in the sight of the LORD
The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" indicates that the actions of the Israelites were not hidden from God. In Hebrew, "sight" (עֵינַיִם, enayim) refers to the eyes, symbolizing God's omniscience and His ability to see all things. This phrase serves as a reminder that God is aware of all human actions and intentions. It underscores the accountability of the Israelites to God and the importance of living in accordance with His will.

by asking for a king
The request for a king represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking a shift from theocratic rule to monarchy. In the Hebrew context, the desire for a king was seen as a rejection of God's direct rule over His people. This phrase highlights the Israelites' lack of faith and trust in God's provision and protection. By asking for a king, they sought to conform to the practices of surrounding nations, rather than relying on their unique identity as God's chosen people. This request ultimately led to significant consequences for the nation, as it set the stage for future challenges and conflicts.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. He is addressing the Israelites in this passage.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God's direct rule.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is about to demonstrate His power and displeasure through a miraculous sign.

4. Wheat Harvest
A significant agricultural period in Israel, typically dry, making the coming rain and thunder an extraordinary event.

5. Thunder and Rain
A divine sign used by God to confirm Samuel's words and to convict the Israelites of their sin in asking for a king.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
God controls nature and uses it to communicate with His people. The unusual rain during the wheat harvest was a clear sign of His displeasure and power.

The Consequences of Rejecting God
The Israelites' demand for a king was a rejection of God's kingship. This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God's will rather than conforming to worldly desires.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role as a prophet was to guide and correct the people. We should value and heed godly counsel in our lives.

Repentance and Recognition of Sin
The Israelites needed to recognize their sin in asking for a king. We, too, must be willing to acknowledge our wrongdoings and seek God's forgiveness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the timing of the thunder and rain during the wheat harvest reveal about God's control over nature and His communication with His people?

2. How does the Israelites' request for a king reflect a broader human tendency to seek security in worldly systems rather than in God?

3. In what ways can we be tempted to reject God's direct rule in our lives today, and how can we guard against this?

4. How does Samuel's role as a prophet inform our understanding of the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability in the church?

5. Reflect on a time when you recognized a sin in your life. How did you respond, and what steps did you take to seek God's forgiveness and realign with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 11:14
Discusses the seasonal rains in Israel, highlighting the unusual nature of rain during the wheat harvest.

1 Samuel 8:7
God tells Samuel that the people's request for a king is a rejection of Him, not Samuel.

James 5:17-18
Elijah's prayer for rain, showing the power of prayer and God's control over nature.