“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.”
This verse is part of Samuel’s farewell speech to the people of Israel after they demanded a king to rule over them instead of relying solely on the judges. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, acknowledged their desire for a king and warned them about the potential consequences of their decision. He urged them to fear the Lord, serve Him faithfully, obey His voice, and not rebel against His commandments.
Fear the Lord:The phrase “fear the Lord” refers to having reverence, respect, and awe for God. It involves acknowledging His power, authority, and holiness. In this context, Samuel emphasises the importance of maintaining a proper relationship with God, recognising His supreme authority, and living in a way that honours Him.
Serve Him:Serving God involves dedicating our lives to His purpose, obeying His commands, and actively seeking to please Him. Samuel emphasises that true service to God should be the priority of the Israelites and should take precedence over any earthly king or ruler.
Obey His voice:Obeying God’s voice implies listening attentively to His instructions and guidance. It means aligning our actions and decisions with His revealed will. Samuel reminds the people of Israel that obedience to God’s voice is vital for their well-being and continued relationship with Him.
Not rebel against the commandment of the Lord:Rebellion against God’s commandments leads to a breakdown in the relationship between God and His people. Samuel warns against disobedience and rebellion, urging the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient to God’s commandments.
The king and the people following the Lord:Samuel assures the Israelites that if they fear the Lord, serve Him, obey His voice, and do not rebel against His commandments, both they and their king will continue to enjoy a close relationship with God. The well-being and success of the king and the people are tied to their faithfulness and obedience to God.
Overall, 1 Samuel 12:14 highlights the importance of fearing the Lord, serving Him faithfully, obeying His voice, and not rebelling against His commandments. It emphasises the significance of maintaining a right relationship with God and acknowledges that the well-being of both the people and their leaders depends on their devotion to Him.
