CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 12:18 So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/12-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_12_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 12:18 - Samuel's Farewell Address" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/12-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/12-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm" title="1 Samuel 12:17">◄</a> 1 Samuel 12:18 <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 12:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/12.htm">New International Version</a> Then Samuel called on the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people were terrified of the LORD and of Samuel. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a> So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Samuel called to Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Samuel called to the LORD [in prayer], and He sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Samuel called on the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Samuel called on the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> So Samuel called unto Jehovah; and Jehovah sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared Jehovah and Samuel. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Samuel prayed, and that same day the LORD sent a thunderstorm. Everyone was afraid of the LORD and of Samuel. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Samuel called on the LORD. That day the LORD sent thunder and rain so that all the people feared the LORD and Samuel very much. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> So Samuel prayed, and on that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. Then all the people became afraid of the LORD and of Samuel, <a href="/isv/1_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Samuel called upon the LORD that same day, and the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/net/1_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a> So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD made it thunder and rain that day. All the people were very afraid of both the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/web/1_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a> So Samuel called to Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Samuel calls to YHWH, and YHWH gives voices and rain on that day, and all the people greatly fear YHWH and Samuel; <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Samuel calleth unto Jehovah, and Jehovah giveth voices and rain, on that day, and all the people greatly fear Jehovah and Samuel; <a href="/slt/1_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Samuel will call to Jehovah, and Jehovah will give voices and rain in that day: and all the people will be greatly afraid of Jehovah and Samuel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Samuel cried unto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Samuel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain on that day. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain on that place; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Then Shemueil called LORD JEHOVAH, and LORD JEHOVAH gave a sound and rain in that place, and all the people were very afraid of LORD JEHOVAH and of Shemueil<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunders and rain in that day; and all the people feared greatly the Lord and Samuel. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/12-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3029" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Samuel's Farewell Address</a> …17Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” 18<a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: šə·mū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">So Samuel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">called</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">and on that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·lōṯ (N-mp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">thunder</a> <a href="/hebrew/4306.htm" title="4306: ū·mā·ṭār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Rain. From matar; rain.">and rain.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">As a result, all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">greatly</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yî·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">feared</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: šə·mū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">Samuel.</a> 19They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/9-23.htm">Exodus 9:23-24</a> So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. / The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation. <a href="/james/5-17.htm">James 5:17-18</a> Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. <a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36-39</a> At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. ... <a href="/psalms/99-6.htm">Psalm 99:6-7</a> Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. / He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. <a href="/jeremiah/10-13.htm">Jeremiah 10:13</a> When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. <a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Matthew 8:26-27</a> “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. / The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” <a href="/job/37-2.htm">Job 37:2-5</a> Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. / He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. / Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds. ... <a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Mark 4:39-41</a> Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” / Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” <a href="/luke/8-24.htm">Luke 8:24-25</a> The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. / “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!” <a href="/revelation/11-6.htm">Revelation 11:6</a> These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. <a href="/psalms/135-6.htm">Psalm 135:6-7</a> The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. / He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. <a href="/jeremiah/14-22.htm">Jeremiah 14:22</a> Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. <a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Acts 14:17</a> Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Psalm 18:13-14</a> The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire. / He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them. <a href="/isaiah/30-30.htm">Isaiah 30:30</a> And the LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and His mighty arm to be revealed, striking in angry wrath with a flame of consuming fire, and with cloudburst, storm, and hailstones.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.sent thunder<a href="/exodus/9-23.htm">Exodus 9:23-25</a> And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt… <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Revelation 11:5,6</a> And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed… feared<a href="/exodus/14-31.htm">Exodus 14:31</a> And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.<a href="/ezra/10-9.htm">Ezra 10:9</a> Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.<a href="/psalms/106-12.htm">Psalm 106:12,13</a> Then believed they his words; they sang his praise… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">Awe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Rain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-11.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Thunder</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Voices</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-15.htm">Awe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Rain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-5.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-14.htm">Thunder</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Voices</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 12</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/12-1.htm">Samuel testifies his integrity</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">He reproves the people of ingratitude</a> 16. <a href="/1_samuel/12-16.htm">He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time</a> 20. <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">he comforts them in God's mercy</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So Samuel called to the LORD Samuel, the last judge and a prophet of Israel, acts as an intercessor between God and the people. His role as a mediator is significant, reflecting the priestly function of calling upon God on behalf of the nation. This act of calling to the LORD demonstrates the intimate relationship Samuel has with God, akin to the prophets who would follow. It also prefigures the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for humanity.and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain The timing of this event is crucial, as it occurs during the wheat harvest, a period typically characterized by dry weather in Israel. The sudden storm is a divine sign, emphasizing God's power and authority over nature. This miraculous event serves as a confirmation of Samuel's words and a reminder of God's sovereignty, similar to the plagues in Egypt which demonstrated God's control over creation. The thunder and rain symbolize God's displeasure with Israel's demand for a king, contrasting with the blessings of rain in other contexts.As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel The people's fear is a recognition of God's might and the authenticity of Samuel's prophetic office. This fear is not merely terror but a reverent acknowledgment of God's holiness and power. It echoes the fear experienced by the Israelites at Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18-19</a>) and serves as a call to repentance and obedience. The fear of the LORD is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with wisdom and the beginning of knowledge (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Samuel's role as a leader is affirmed through this event, as the people see him as God's chosen instrument.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, Samuel is demonstrating God's power to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who responds to Samuel's prayer by sending a miraculous sign of thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, a time when rain was unexpected. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God as their direct ruler. They witness the miraculous sign and are filled with fear and reverence. 4. <a href="/topical/t/thunder_and_rain.htm">Thunder and Rain</a> A miraculous event sent by God in response to Samuel's prayer, serving as a sign of divine displeasure with Israel's demand for a king. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wheat_harvest.htm">Wheat Harvest</a> The time of year when this event took place, typically dry in Israel, making the sudden storm an unmistakable act of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> God is sovereign over nature and history. The unexpected thunder and rain during the wheat harvest demonstrate His control over creation and His ability to intervene in human affairs. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> Samuel's prayer and God's immediate response highlight the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will and intervention in our lives. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the LORD</a> The Israelites' reaction of fear and reverence serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy fear of the LORD, recognizing His holiness and authority. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_obedience.htm">Repentance and Obedience</a> The event calls the Israelites to repentance and obedience, reminding us of the need to align our desires with God's will rather than pursuing our own agendas. <a href="/topical/g/god's_patience_and_mercy.htm">God's Patience and Mercy</a> Despite Israel's rejection, God continues to guide and correct them, showing His patience and mercy. This encourages us to trust in God's enduring love and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 12</a> <a href="/q/is_sudden_rain_in_1_sam_12_17-18_plausible.htm">How is the sudden thunder and rain in 1 Samuel 12:17–18 scientifically plausible during wheat harvest? </a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_saul_consult_a_medium_in_1_sam_28.htm">If necromancy is condemned (Deut. 18:9-12), how can 1 Samuel 28:7-25 portray Saul successfully consulting a medium?</a> <a href="/q/do_records_confirm_shiloh's_priesthood.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17 describes corrupt priests at Shiloh--do archaeological records confirm such a worship center and priesthood as depicted?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Jehovah sent thunder and rain. Rain in Palestine falls usually only at the autumnal and vernal equinox, and though thunder storms are not unknown at other times, yet, by the general testimony of travellers, they are very rare. Naturally, therefore, this storm deeply impressed the minds of the people. Though not in itself miraculous, the circumstances made it so. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/12-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So Samuel שְׁמוּאֵל֙ (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel called וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and on that הַה֑וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel sent וַיִּתֵּ֧ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set thunder קֹלֹ֥ת (qō·lōṯ) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound and rain. וּמָטָ֖ר (ū·mā·ṭār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4306.htm">Strong's 4306: </a> Rain As a result, all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֥ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock greatly מְאֹ֛ד (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily feared וַיִּירָ֨א (way·yî·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Samuel. שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃ (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/12-18.htm">1 Samuel 12:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-18.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 12:18 So Samuel called to Yahweh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>