1 Samuel 12:12
1 Samuel 12:12 in Multiple Translations
But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay, but a king shall reign over us; when Jehovah your God was your king.
And when you saw that Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, was coming against you, you said to me, No more of this; we will have a king for our ruler: when the Lord your God was your king.
But when you saw that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, was coming to attack you, you told me, ‘No, we want our own king,’ even though the Lord your God was your king.
Notwithstanding when you sawe, that Nahash the King of the children of Ammon came against you, ye sayde vnto me, No, but a King shall reigne ouer vs: when yet the Lord your God was your King.
'And ye see that Nahash king of the Bene-Ammon hath come against you, and ye say to me, Nay, but a king doth reign over us; and Jehovah your God [is] your king!
“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 the LORD your God was your king.
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said to me, No; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
But seeing that Naas king of the children of Ammon was come against you, you said to me: Nay, but a king shall reign over us: whereas the Lord your God was your king.
“But now, when king Nahash of Ammon came with his army to attack you, you were afraid. So, you came to me, and said, ‘We want a king to rule us,’ even though Yahweh was already your king!
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 12:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּרְא֗וּ
כִּֽי
נָחָ֞שׁ
מֶ֣לֶךְ
בְּנֵֽי
עַמּוֹן֮
בָּ֣א
עֲלֵי/כֶם֒
וַ/תֹּ֣אמְרוּ
לִ֔/י
לֹ֕א
כִּי
מֶ֖לֶךְ
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
עָלֵ֑י/נוּ
וַ/יהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֖ם
מַלְכְּ/כֶֽם
וַ/תִּרְא֗וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָחָ֞שׁ
Nâchâsh
H5176
Nahash
N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עַמּוֹן֮
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
Ammon
N-proper
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עֲלֵי/כֶם֒
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
לֹ֕א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלֵ֑י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
מַלְכְּ/כֶֽם
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 12:12
וַ/תִּרְא֗וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָחָ֞שׁ
Nâchâsh
H5176
"Nahash"
N-proper
Nahash was a non-Israelite king of the Ammonites who lived during King Saul's time, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 10:2. His name means serpent, and he is also the father of Shobi and Abigail's mother.
Definition: A man of the Ammonites living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.17.27; father of: Shobi (H7629) § Nahash = "serpent" 1) a king of the Ammonites during the time of king Saul 2) the father of Abigail, the mother of Amasa, the commander of Absalom's army
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Nahash. See also: 1 Samuel 11:1; 2 Samuel 17:25; 1 Chronicles 19:2.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמּוֹן֮
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
"Ammon"
N-proper
Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עֲלֵי/כֶם֒
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/תֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
לֹ֕א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
עָלֵ֑י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מַלְכְּ/כֶֽם
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 12:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 12:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:12
Context — Samuel’s Farewell Address
10Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’
11So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.
12But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.
13Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. 14If 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 rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 8:23 | But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 8:5–7 | “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. |
| 3 | Genesis 17:7 | I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 10:19 | But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 11:1–2 | Soon Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” |
| 6 | Hosea 13:10 | Where is your king now to save you in all your cities, and the rulers to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”? |
| 7 | Judges 9:18 | but you have risen up against my father’s house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother— |
| 8 | Isaiah 33:22 | For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. |
| 9 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 10 | Judges 9:56–57 | In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father in murdering his seventy brothers. And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their own heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them. |
1 Samuel 12:12 Summary
This verse shows that the Israelites wanted a human king to rule over them, even though God was already their King. They were looking for a human solution to their problems, instead of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 17:5-8. We can learn from their example by recognizing that God is our ultimate King and Ruler, and we should trust in Him and not rely solely on human leaders, as stated in Proverbs 29:26 and Isaiah 33:22. By trusting in God and submitting to His authority, we can experience His peace and guidance in our lives, as promised in John 14:27 and Philippians 4:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Israelites to ask for a king?
The Israelites asked for a king when they saw Nahash king of the Ammonites moving against them, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:12, despite the fact that the LORD their God was their king, similar to how He was their king in Exodus 15:18.
Was it wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king?
The Israelites' request for a king was not necessarily wrong, but their motivation and timing were, as they were rejecting the LORD as their king, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:12, and this is similar to the rebellion in Psalm 106:35-39.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human desire for control, as the Israelites wanted a human king to rule over them, even though the LORD their God was already their king, as stated in 1 Samuel 12:12, and this is a theme seen throughout the Bible, including in Proverbs 21:1 and Romans 13:1-2.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?
We can learn that God is our ultimate King and Ruler, and we should trust in Him and not rely solely on human leaders, as seen in Psalm 2:6-12 and Jeremiah 10:10, and this is a lesson that can be applied to our lives today, as we are called to trust in God and not in human institutions or leaders, as stated in Psalm 20:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking human solutions or leaders instead of trusting in God as my King?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my life, just as the Israelites should have trusted in the LORD as their king?
- What are some ways that I can acknowledge and submit to God's authority in my life, recognizing that He is my ultimate King, as stated in 1 Timothy 1:17 and Revelation 15:3-4?
- How can I balance my desire for human leadership and guidance with my need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in the balance between human leaders and God's sovereignty in 1 Samuel 12:12 and Romans 13:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 12:12
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you,.... Or "but yet" (k); however, notwithstanding though the Lord had been so kind and gracious to them, as to raise up
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 12:12
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
A king shall reign over us: See Poole "". When the Lord your God was your king, i.e. when God was your immediate King and Governor, who was both able and willing to deliver you, if you had cried to him, whereof you and your ancestors have had plentiful experience; so that you did not at all need any other king; and your desire of another was a manifest reproach against God, as if he were either grown impotent, or unfaithful, or unmerciful to you.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
1 Samuel 12:12 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God [was] your king.Ver. 12. Nay; but a king shall reign over us.] This Nay is much and oft alleged against them; to show their wilfulness, and how they were set upon it, not hearkening to any right reason. A wilful man standeth like a stake in the midst of a stream; lets all pass by him, but he standeth where he was.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
(12) Nahash the king of the children of Ammon.—It has been suggested, with great probability, that Nahash and the Ammonites had invaded the trans-Jordanic territory of Israel in the period immediately preceding the demand addressed to Samuel for a king, and that the invasion which culminated in the siege of Jabesh-gilead was only one of a series of destructive forays and invasions.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
Verse 12. When ye saw that Nahash] This was not the first time they had demanded a king; see before, 1 Samuel 8:5. But at the crisis mentioned here they became more importunate; and it was in consequence of this that the kingdom was a second time confirmed to Saul. Saul was elected at Mizpeh, he was confirmed at Gilgal.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 12:12
12. And when ye saw] As the demand for a king preceded the invasion of Nahash recorded in ch. 11, the reference must be to earlier inroads, or to a threatened attack. This reason for desiring a king is hinted at in 1 Samuel 8:20. Nay] Refusing to listen to my expostulations (1 Samuel 8:6; 1 Samuel 8:19). when the Lord your God was your king] Cp. Judges 8:23.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:12
12. When ye saw that Nahash… came — This shows, as we have elsewhere noted, (at beginning of chap. 8,) that the Ammonite invasion was one reason of Israel’s urgent request for a king.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 12:12
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Elijah Legacy) 1. Days of Elijah by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of government-endorsed idolatry in various countries, including Israel, America, and the Philippines. He highlights the abortion epi |
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On Arguing Concerning the Apostolical Succession. on Reluctance to Confess the Apostolical Succession by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of upholding the Apostolic Succession in the Church, emphasizing the duty to carefully examine and understand this doctrine, even if faced |
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David - the Fulfiller of God's Will by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unification of the scattered tribes of Israel under the leadership of David. He emphasizes that the people had never been unified in a kin |
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The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis |
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Give Us a King! by George Warnock | George Warnock discusses the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy, emphasizing that their desire for a king stemmed from a longing to be like the surrounding nations |
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The Samuel Company by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson calls for a revival of the 'Samuel Company,' a group of believers who hear God's voice and grieve over the backslidden state of the Church. He emphasizes the need f |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 17, which is considered a significant chapter in the book of Genesis. God appears to Abraham for the fifth time to make a covenant w |