Samuel shows the people of Israel that their demand for a king is a grave offense against the LORD by calling down thunder and rain during the wheat harvest.
Samuel addresses Israel in Gilgal, near Jericho, saying, “Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the LORD, that He may send thunder and rain. Then you will know and see that your wickedness is great which you have done in the sight of the LORD by asking for yourselves a king.” (v.17). Emphasizing how it is the wheat harvest today, Samuel underscores the extraordinary nature of a storm at this specific time of year, telling the people that the sudden thunder and rain would serve as a divine sign. He makes it clear that the true problem is not the king itself, but the wickedness of Israel’s unwillingness to trust the LORD completely for their leadership.
Geographically, Gilgal was a significant location situated near Jericho, first mentioned as the place where Israel camped after miraculously crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19). Samuel—who lived in the transitional period of Israel’s history between the time of the judges and the monarchy—announced this sign around the 11th century BC, shortly after Saul was acknowledged as Israel’s first king. By calling for a miraculous storm, he intended to showcase God’s sovereign power and Israel’s dependency on the LORD, even though they had insisted on having a human ruler.
By proclaiming that Then you will know and see that your wickedness is great, Samuel reminds the people that while God has allowed them a king, their choice to demand one was a rejection of God’s direct reign (1 Samuel 8:7). This sets the stage for the monarchy that would ultimately point forward to the Messiah, Jesus—the King of kings—who would one day fulfill God’s redemptive plan (John 18:36-37). It is clear that Samuel’s warning underscores the importance of relying on God’s guidance and faithfulness above all else.
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1 Samuel 12:17 meaning
Samuel addresses Israel in Gilgal, near Jericho, saying, “Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the LORD, that He may send thunder and rain. Then you will know and see that your wickedness is great which you have done in the sight of the LORD by asking for yourselves a king.” (v.17). Emphasizing how it is the wheat harvest today, Samuel underscores the extraordinary nature of a storm at this specific time of year, telling the people that the sudden thunder and rain would serve as a divine sign. He makes it clear that the true problem is not the king itself, but the wickedness of Israel’s unwillingness to trust the LORD completely for their leadership.
Geographically, Gilgal was a significant location situated near Jericho, first mentioned as the place where Israel camped after miraculously crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19). Samuel—who lived in the transitional period of Israel’s history between the time of the judges and the monarchy—announced this sign around the 11th century BC, shortly after Saul was acknowledged as Israel’s first king. By calling for a miraculous storm, he intended to showcase God’s sovereign power and Israel’s dependency on the LORD, even though they had insisted on having a human ruler.
By proclaiming that Then you will know and see that your wickedness is great, Samuel reminds the people that while God has allowed them a king, their choice to demand one was a rejection of God’s direct reign (1 Samuel 8:7). This sets the stage for the monarchy that would ultimately point forward to the Messiah, Jesus—the King of kings—who would one day fulfill God’s redemptive plan (John 18:36-37). It is clear that Samuel’s warning underscores the importance of relying on God’s guidance and faithfulness above all else.