“Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king.”
In this verse, the prophet Samuel is addressing the Israelites after they had requested a king to rule over them instead of being led directly by God. Samuel had warned the people about the consequences of having a human king, but they insisted on having one. Now Samuel is making a point to demonstrate the gravity of their decision.
Context:Before we delve into the verse itself, it’s important to understand the context leading up to this moment. The book of 1 Samuel records the transition of Israel from a theocratic rule under judges, with Samuel as the last of the judges, to the establishment of a monarchy. The people of Israel demanded a king, desiring to be like the surrounding nations.
Wheat Harvest:Samuel begins by drawing attention to the present time, which was the wheat harvest. This was a significant event for the agricultural society of Israel, marking a time of blessing and abundance. Samuel uses this as a point of contrast, suggesting that instead of celebrating their harvest, they should reflect on their wrongdoing.
Samuel’s Call to the Lord:Samuel declares that he will call upon the Lord to send thunder and rain. This act serves as a sign or confirmation to the people of their wickedness in asking for a king. Samuel is essentially saying that God will intervene and send a dramatic display of thunder and rain to make them realise the seriousness of their actions.
The People’s Wickedness:The people’s request for a king was not inherently evil, but their motivation and attitudes behind it were problematic. By asking for a king, they were rejecting God’s direct rule over them and seeking a human ruler instead. They failed to recognise that God had been their king, delivering them from slavery in Egypt and leading them through the wilderness.
Consequences of the Request:Samuel’s intention is to make the people understand the magnitude of their choice. By highlighting their wickedness, he aims to show them the error of their ways and help them recognise the consequences that would follow. Later in the chapter, Samuel prays for the people and reassures them that if they and their king obey God, they will be blessed. However, he warns them of the judgment that will come upon them if they disobey.
Overall, 1 Samuel 12:17 highlights the importance of acknowledging and understanding the implications of our choices. It encourages us to consider whether our desires align with God’s will and to be mindful of the potential consequences of our decisions. It serves as a reminder to seek God’s guidance and to trust in His leadership rather than relying solely on human wisdom and power.
