"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not be afraidThis phrase is a common biblical exhortation, often used to reassure God's people in times of fear or uncertainty. The Hebrew root for "afraid" is יָרֵא (yare), which can mean fear, reverence, or awe. In this context, Samuel is calming the Israelites' fear of divine retribution. Historically, this reflects God's consistent message of grace and mercy, encouraging His people to trust in His steadfast love despite their failures. Samuel replied
Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, plays a pivotal role in Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. His reply is significant as it comes from a place of spiritual authority and deep connection with God. Samuel's leadership is marked by his dedication to God's will, and his words carry the weight of divine instruction and compassion. Even though you have committed all this evil
This phrase acknowledges the Israelites' sin of demanding a king, which was seen as a rejection of God's direct rule. The Hebrew word for "evil" is רָעָה (ra'ah), indicating moral wickedness or wrongdoing. This acknowledgment of sin is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for repentance and redemption. It reflects the historical context of Israel's struggle with faithfulness to God amidst external pressures and internal desires. do not turn aside from following the LORD
The phrase "turn aside" comes from the Hebrew סוּר (sur), meaning to depart or deviate. Samuel urges the Israelites to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, despite their past mistakes. This call to perseverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience. Historically, it underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where loyalty to God is paramount. but serve the LORD
The Hebrew word for "serve" is עָבַד (avad), which implies worship, labor, and service. This call to serve God is a reminder of the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people, set apart to worship Him alone. It highlights the biblical principle that true service to God involves both worship and action, reflecting a life dedicated to His purposes. with all your heart
The heart, לֵב (lev) in Hebrew, represents the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Serving God with all one's heart implies total devotion and sincerity. This phrase calls for an undivided commitment to God, resonating with the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. It is a timeless exhortation for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, ensuring that their actions and intentions align with His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and last judge of Israel, who played a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is addressing the Israelites in this passage. 2. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who have just demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God as their direct ruler. Samuel is speaking to them after they have realized their sin in asking for a king. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, whom the Israelites are called to follow and serve wholeheartedly despite their previous disobedience. 4. King SaulAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Saul is the newly anointed king of Israel, whose reign marks the beginning of the monarchy that the Israelites demanded. 5. GilgalThe location where Samuel delivered this address, a significant site for Israel where they renewed their covenant with God. Teaching Points Repentance and AssuranceDespite past sins, God offers forgiveness and calls for continued faithfulness. Believers should not be paralyzed by fear of past failures but should repent and move forward in obedience. Wholehearted ServiceServing God requires total commitment. This involves aligning one's actions, thoughts, and desires with God's will, as emphasized by the Hebrew word "lebab" (heart), which denotes the inner self. Faithfulness in LeadershipJust as the Israelites were called to follow God despite having a human king, Christians are reminded to prioritize God's authority over any earthly leadership. Covenant RelationshipThe call to serve God with all one's heart is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. This relationship demands loyalty and devotion. Fear and FaithThe exhortation "Do not be afraid" highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when facing the consequences of sin. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samuel's reassurance in 1 Samuel 12:20 encourage us to deal with our own past mistakes and sins? 2. In what ways can we serve the LORD with all our heart in our daily lives, and what challenges might we face in doing so? 3. How does the concept of wholehearted service to God in 1 Samuel 12:20 relate to Jesus' teaching in the New Testament? 4. What role does repentance play in maintaining a faithful relationship with God, as seen in the context of 1 Samuel 12:20? 5. How can we apply the principle of not turning aside from following the LORD in the context of modern-day distractions and temptations? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:5This verse emphasizes the command to love the LORD with all one's heart, soul, and strength, which aligns with Samuel's exhortation to serve the LORD wholeheartedly. Joshua 24:14-15Joshua's call to the Israelites to serve the LORD in sincerity and truth parallels Samuel's message of undivided devotion to God. Psalm 51:10-12David's plea for a pure heart and steadfast spirit reflects the heart attitude Samuel is urging the Israelites to adopt. Matthew 22:37Jesus reiterates the greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, echoing the call to wholehearted service found in 1 Samuel 12:20. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Afraid, Aside, Committed, Evil, Fear, Heart, Indeed, Replied, Samuel, Servants, Serve, Served, Truly, Turn, Wickedness, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:20 5015 heart, and Holy Spirit 1 Samuel 12:19-23 8611 prayer, for others 1 Samuel 12:20-24 7734 leaders, spiritual 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 12:20 NIV1 Samuel 12:20 NLT1 Samuel 12:20 ESV1 Samuel 12:20 NASB1 Samuel 12:20 KJV
1 Samuel 12:20 Commentaries
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