1 Samuel 12:18-19
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It's easy to focus on the thunder and rain, but notice that the people's fear is directed towards both the LORD and Samuel. This shows how God worked through His prophet, making Samuel a powerful symbol of God's authority and presence among them.
So Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, the people had demanded a king, rejecting God's direct rule through Samuel, and Samuel had recounted all God's faithfulness to Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Now, to prove God's displeasure with their request for a king, Samuel asks God to send thunder and rain during the dry harvest season—a clear sign of divine judgment that causes the people to tremble in fear and regret.
Imagine the scene: a new king is being crowned, but something unexpected happens that shifts the entire mood. This isn't just a political event; it's a spiritual one.
The crowning of Saul as Israel's first king was a momentous occasion, but it also came with a significant challenge to God's authority. The people had demanded a king like other nations, moving away from God's direct rule through judges and prophets.
Here, Samuel isn't just playing a role; he's performing a vital spiritual act. He calls on the LORD, and God responds immediately with thunder and rain. This wasn't a gentle shower; it was a powerful demonstration that God, not the king or the people's demands, was in charge. It was a divine confirmation of Samuel’s message and a stark reminder of God's sovereignty.
The people feared both the LORD and Samuel. What does that kind of fear look like, and why are both mentioned?
This verse highlights two crucial kinds of fear that are essential for a healthy relationship with God.
First, there's the 'fear of the LORD.' This isn't terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness and power. It’s recognizing His absolute authority and acknowledging our dependence on Him.
Second, the people 'greatly feared... Samuel.' This points to the respect and even apprehension that arises when God's messenger speaks with divine authority. They feared the consequences of disobeying God through His chosen prophet. It’s a healthy fear that stems from recognizing God’s presence and power working through His servant.
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Understand the original words
chatt'ath · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the state of having violated God’s moral standard, whether through acts of commission or omission. It is a rebellion against God that results in separation from Him and divine judgment.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A profound moral corruption or character flaw that is contrary to God's nature. It encompasses both the act of wrongdoing and the inherent character that produces such acts.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
An attitude of reverence, awe, and submission before the holiness and power of God. It is the appropriate response of a creature to the Creator, often involving a recognition of God's authority and judgment.
palal · Hebrew Verb
To appeal to God through words, expressing dependency, petition, or intercession. It is the primary means by which God’s people align their will with His and seek His intervention.
This event occurs during Samuel's poignant farewell address, highlighting the tension between Israel's desire for a human king and their need to fear and obey the LORD, their true King.
c. 1020 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel, nearing the end of his time as Israel's primary leader and judge, anoints Saul as the first king of Israel. This marks a significant transition from tribal confederation to monarchy.
c. 1020-1010 BC
Saul's Early Reign
Saul begins his reign, facing various military challenges and attempting to consolidate power. This period is marked by his initial successes but also growing disobedience to God's commands.
c. 1010 BC
Samuel Confronts Saul
Samuel rebukes Saul for disobeying explicit commands, including the improper offering of sacrifices and failing to utterly destroy the Amalekites. Saul's kingship is declared to be rejected by God.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
Samuel's Farewell Address
Samuel delivers a powerful speech to all Israel, recounting God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. He warns them about the consequences of choosing a king and the dangers of turning away from the LORD.
c. 1010 BC
The Sign of Thunder and Rain
At the people's request for reassurance and proof of God's displeasure with their request for a king, Samuel calls on the LORD. God responds with thunder and rain, a dramatic sign of His power and judgment.
This passage shows another instance where God sends thunder and hail in response to Moses' prayer, demonstrating His power and judgment.
1 Kings 18:37Here, Elijah prays, and God sends fire, just as Samuel calls on God and He sends thunder, highlighting how prophets could call on God for direct intervention.
John 3:36This verse speaks to the believer's obedience and the consequence of rebellion, mirroring how the people's fear of the Lord grew after His powerful display through Samuel.
Hebrews 12:28-29This passage discusses the reverence and awe due to God because of His holy and consuming nature, which resonates with the people's fear in 1 Samuel 12:18.
It's easy to focus on the thunder and rain, but notice that the people's fear is directed towards both the LORD and Samuel. This shows how God worked through His prophet, making Samuel a powerful symbol of God's authority and presence among them.
Just before this, the people had demanded a king, rejecting God's direct rule through Samuel, and Samuel had recounted all God's faithfulness to Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Now, to prove God's displeasure with their request for a king, Samuel asks God to send thunder and rain during the dry harvest season—a clear sign of divine judgment that causes the people to tremble in fear and regret.
Just before this, the people had demanded a king, rejecting God's direct rule through Samuel, and Samuel had recounted all God's faithfulness to Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Now, to prove God's displeasure with their request for a king, Samuel asks God to send thunder and rain during the dry harvest season—a clear sign of divine judgment that causes the people to tremble in fear and regret.
"So Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die, for w…" — It's easy to focus on the thunder and rain, but notice that the people's fear is directed towards both the LORD and Samuel. This shows how God worked through His prophet, making Samuel a powerful s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
