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1 Samuel 12:19 They 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."
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For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins <i>this</i> evil, to ask us a king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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 the evil of asking a king for ourselves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so that we do not die; for we have added to all our sins <i>this</i> evil, by asking for ourselves a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, so that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil by asking for ourselves a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, so that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins <i>this</i> evil by asking for ourselves a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, so that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins <i>this</i> evil by asking for ourselves a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so that we will not die, for we have added to all our sins <i>this</i> evil—to ask for a king for ourselves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so we won’t die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of requesting a king for ourselves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so we won’t die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of requesting a king for ourselves.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto Jehovah thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They told Samuel, "Please, pray to the LORD your God for us! We don't want to die. We have sinned many times in the past, and we were very wrong to ask for a king." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All the people pleaded with Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for us so that we will not die. We have added [another] evil thing to all our other sins by asking for a king."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and they said to Samuel, "Please, sir, pray to the LORD your God for us, so that we won't die. We now realize that, besides all our other sins, we have sinned by asking for a king." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then all the people told Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so that we don't die, because we made all our sins worse by asking for a king for ourselves."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They 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.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />All the people said to Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God on behalf of us--your servants--so we won't die, for we have added to all our sins by asking for a king." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />All the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And all the people said to Samuel, Pray for thy servants to the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />All the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and all the people say to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to your God YHWH, and we do not die, for we have added evil to all our sins to ask [for] a king for ourselves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and all the people say unto Samuel, 'Pray for thy servants unto Jehovah thy God, and we do not die, for we have added to all our sins evil to ask for us a king.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all the people will say to Samuel, Pray for thy servants to Jehovah thy God, and we shall not die; for we added upon all our sins the wickedness to ask for us a king.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the people said to Samuel: Pray for thy servants to the Lord thy God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And all the people feared the Lord and Samuel exceedingly. And all the people said to Samuel: “Pray, on behalf of your servants, to the Lord your God, so that we may not die. For we have added to all our sins this evil, that we would petition for a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for us, your servants, that we may not die for having added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />All the people said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of demanding a king for ourselves.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And all the people said to Samuel. Pray for your servants before the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins a great evil, in that we have asked for ourselves a king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And all the people said to Shemueil: “Pray for your Servants before LORD JEHOVAH your God, and we will not die, because we have added to all our sins a great evil, that we ask for ourselves a King!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And all the people said unto Samuel: 'Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And all the people said to Samuel, Pray for thy servants to the Lord thy God, and let us not die; for we have added to all our sins this iniquity, in asking for us a king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3041" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Samuel's Farewell Address</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>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. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><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.">They</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">pleaded</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">with</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> <a href="/hebrew/6419.htm" title="6419: hiṯ·pal·lêl (V-Hitpael-Imp-ms) -- To intervene, interpose. A primitive root; to judge; by extension, to intercede, pray.">“Pray</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/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1157.htm" title="1157: bə·‘aḏ- (Prep) -- From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">so that we will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: nā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf.h-1cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">die!</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yā·sap̄·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">we have added</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2403.htm" title="2403: ḥaṭ·ṭō·ṯê·nū (N-fpc:: 1cp) -- Or chattacth; from chata'; an offence, and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also an offender.">our sins</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">the evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: liš·’ōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">of asking</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">a king.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a></span><br />and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/15-1.htm">Jeremiah 15:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-28.htm">Exodus 9:28</a></span><br />Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Numbers 21:7</a></span><br />Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-6.htm">1 Kings 13:6</a></span><br />Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-24.htm">Acts 8:24</a></span><br />Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a></span><br />and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a></span><br />So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a></span><br />Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/14-2.htm">Hosea 14:2</a></span><br />Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23</a></span><br />So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And all the people said to Samuel, Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we die not: for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.</p><p class="hdg">Pray for thy servants</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">1 Samuel 7:5,8</a></b></br> And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-7.htm">Genesis 20:7</a></b></br> Now therefore restore the man <i>his</i> wife; for he <i>is</i> a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore <i>her</i> not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that <i>are</i> thine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/9-28.htm">Exodus 9:28</a></b></br> Intreat the LORD (for <i>it is</i> enough) that there be no <i>more</i> mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Added</a> <a href="/joshua/17-5.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-12.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-18.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-18.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">Added</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-26.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Die</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-25.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-12.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/12-1.htm">Samuel testifies his integrity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">He reproves the people of ingratitude</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/12-16.htm">He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">he comforts them in God's mercy</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>They pleaded with Samuel</b><br>The Israelites recognized Samuel as a prophet and judge, a mediator between them and God. This reflects the biblical pattern of seeking intercession from God's appointed leaders, similar to Moses interceding for Israel in <a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a>. Samuel's role as a judge and prophet is crucial, as he represents God's voice to the people during this transitional period from judges to monarchy.<p><b>Pray to the LORD your God</b><br>The phrase "the LORD your God" indicates a recognition of Samuel's close relationship with God, yet it also subtly highlights the people's distance from God due to their disobedience. This request for prayer underscores the importance of intercessory prayer in the Old Testament, where leaders often prayed on behalf of the people (e.g., Abraham in <a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22-33</a>).<p><b>for your servants</b><br>By calling themselves "your servants," the Israelites acknowledge their subordinate position and dependence on Samuel's spiritual leadership. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where prophets and judges held significant authority.<p><b>so that we will not die!</b><br>The fear of death here is both literal and spiritual. The Israelites were aware of the consequences of disobedience to God, as seen in the covenant curses outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. Their plea reflects a fear of divine judgment, which was a common theme in the Old Testament when the people strayed from God's commands.<p><b>For we have added to all our sins</b><br>This confession indicates an awareness of cumulative sin, acknowledging that their request for a king was not an isolated act of disobedience but part of a broader pattern of rebellion against God. This mirrors the cycle of sin and repentance seen throughout the book of Judges.<p><b>the evil of asking for a king.</b><br>The request for a king was seen as a rejection of God's kingship, as noted in <a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a>. This desire to be like other nations (<a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5</a>) was contrary to God's plan for Israel to be a distinct and holy people. The request for a king foreshadows the eventual coming of Jesus Christ, the true King, who fulfills God's promise of a righteous ruler from the line of David (<a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a pivotal figure in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who, despite witnessing God's faithfulness, demanded a king to lead them like other nations, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who had been their king and protector. The Israelites' request for a human king was seen as a rejection of His kingship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_request_for_a_king.htm">The Request for a King</a></b><br>This event marks a significant turning point in Israel's history, where the people demanded a king to lead them, which was contrary to God's original plan for them to be a theocracy.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sin_of_asking_for_a_king.htm">The Sin of Asking for a King</a></b><br>The Israelites recognized their request for a king as a sin, acknowledging that it was an act of rebellion against God's rule.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_sin_and_repentance.htm">Recognizing Sin and Repentance</a></b><br>The Israelites' acknowledgment of their sin in asking for a king is a reminder of the importance of recognizing our own sins and turning back to God in repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intercessory_prayer.htm">The Role of Intercessory Prayer</a></b><br>Samuel's role as an intercessor highlights the power and importance of praying for others, especially when they are in need of God's mercy and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The Israelites' desire for a king reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. We are called to trust in God's plan and timing, even when it differs from our own desires.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rejecting_god.htm">Consequences of Rejecting God</a></b><br>The request for a king serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's leadership in favor of human solutions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_despite_human_failure.htm">God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure</a></b><br>Despite the Israelites' rebellion, God remained faithful to His covenant, showing His grace and mercy even when His people fail.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pray for thy servants.</span> On Samuel's mediatorial office see <a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">1 Samuel 7:5, 8</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleaded</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Samuel,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Pray</span><br /><span class="heb">הִתְפַּלֵּ֧ל</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·pal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6419.htm">Strong's 6419: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, to intercede, pray</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַד־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1157.htm">Strong's 1157: </a> </span><span class="str2">In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your servants,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדֶ֛יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so we will not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">die!</span><br /><span class="heb">נָמ֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(nā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we have added</span><br /><span class="heb">יָסַ֤פְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sap̄·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our sins</span><br /><span class="heb">חַטֹּאתֵ֙ינוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥaṭ·ṭō·ṯê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2403.htm">Strong's 2403: </a> </span><span class="str2">An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the evil</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of asking</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁאֹ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(liš·’ōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֖נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">a king.?</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 12:19 All the people said to Samuel Pray (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/12-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:20" /></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>