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<!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 12:20 "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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/12-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_12_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 12:20 - Samuel's Farewell Address" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/12-20.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/12-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/12-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 12:19">◄</a> 1 Samuel 12:20 <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm" title="1 Samuel 12:21">►</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> &#8220Do not be afraid,&#8221 Samuel replied. &#8220You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Samuel said to the people, &#8220Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid. You have [indeed] done all this evil; yet do not turn away from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Samuel replied, “Don’t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don’t turn away from following the LORD. Instead, worship the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Samuel replied, &#8220Don&#8217t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don&#8217t turn away from following the LORD. Instead, worship the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not; ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, but serve Jehovah with all your heart: <a href="/cev/1_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Samuel answered: Even though what you did was wrong, you don't need to be afraid. But you must always follow the LORD and worship him with all your heart. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have indeed done all this evil: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Don't be afraid," Samuel told the people. "You did do all these evil things. But don't turn away from the LORD. Instead, serve the LORD wholeheartedly. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Don't be afraid," Samuel answered. "Even though you have done such an evil thing, do not turn away from the LORD, but serve him with all your heart. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Samuel told all the people, "Don't be afraid. You have done all this evil. Yet don't turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Samuel said to the people, "Don't be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don't turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Samuel said to the people, "Do not be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Samuel said to the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; <a href="/web/1_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Samuel said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet don’t turn away from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Samuel says to the people, “Do not fear; you have done all this evil; only, do not turn aside from after YHWH—and you have served YHWH with all your heart, <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Samuel saith unto the people, 'Fear not; ye have done all this evil; only, turn not aside from after Jehovah -- and ye have served Jehovah with all your heart, <a href="/slt/1_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Samuel will say to the people, Ye shall not be afraid: ye did all this wickedness: but ye shall not turn aside from after Jehovah, and serve ye Jehovah with all your heart.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Samuel said to the people: Fear not, you have done all this evil: but yet depart not from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Samuel said to the people: “Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil. Yet truly, do not choose to withdraw from the back of the Lord. Instead, serve the Lord with all your heart. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a> “Do not fear,” Samuel answered them. “You have indeed committed all this evil! Yet do not turn from the LORD, but serve him with your whole heart. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Samuel said to the people, Fear not; you have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve him with all your heart; <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shemueil said to the people: “You shall not be afraid! You have done all this evil, however do not turn away from after LORD JEHOVAH, but serve LORD JEHOVAH with all your heart!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Samuel said unto the people: 'Fear not; ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; <a href="/sep/1_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Samuel said to the people, Fear not: ye have indeed wrought all this iniquity; only turn not from following the Lord, and serve the Lord with all your heart. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/12-20.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=3053" 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> …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.” 20<a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rā·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid,”</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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“Even though you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śî·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have committed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā·‘āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: tā·sū·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">turn aside</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rê (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">from following</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/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">but serve</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/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/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">with all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇaḇ·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">your heart.</a> 21Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.…<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="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> 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. <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27</a> Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> 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. <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> 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! <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a> Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “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. <a href="/jeremiah/3-12.htm">Jeremiah 3:12-14</a> Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. / “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion. <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a> From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/hosea/14-1.htm">Hosea 14:1-2</a> Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. / 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. <a href="/luke/15-7.htm">Luke 15:7</a> I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a> Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a> let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Samuel said to the people, Fear not: you have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;Fear not<a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Exodus 20:19,20</a> And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die… <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a> Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.turn not<a href="/deuteronomy/11-16.htm">Deuteronomy 11:16</a> Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;<a href="/deuteronomy/31-29.htm">Deuteronomy 31:29</a> For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.<a href="/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6</a> Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/judges/20-12.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-16.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-10.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-10.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-25.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-8.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-24.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Wickedness</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>“Do not be afraid,” Samuel reassures the Israelites, echoing a common biblical theme where God or His messengers tell His people not to fear. This phrase is often used to comfort and encourage, as seen in <a href="/genesis/15.htm">Genesis 15:1</a> with Abram and in <a href="/luke/1-30.htm">Luke 1:30</a> with Mary. It signifies God's presence and protection despite human failings.“Samuel replied.” Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, plays a crucial role in Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. His leadership and guidance are pivotal during this period of change, and his words carry the authority of God's messenger.“Even though you have committed all this evil,” The Israelites had sinned by demanding a king, rejecting God as their direct ruler (<a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a>). This phrase acknowledges their wrongdoing, reflecting the biblical principle of confession and repentance. It highlights the seriousness of their actions but also sets the stage for God's mercy.“do not turn aside from following the LORD,” This phrase emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in faith. Turning aside implies idolatry or abandoning God's commandments, a recurring issue for Israel (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-16.htm">Deuteronomy 31:16</a>). It calls for perseverance in devotion, a theme echoed in the New Testament (<a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a>).“but serve the LORD with all your heart.” Serving God wholeheartedly is a central biblical command, seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> and reiterated by Jesus in <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a>. It involves complete devotion and love for God, contrasting with half-hearted or divided loyalty. This call to serve with all one's heart underscores the relational aspect of faith, where God desires sincere commitment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> A prophet and last judge of Israel, who played a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is addressing the Israelites in this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, who have just demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God as their direct ruler. Samuel is speaking to them after they have realized their sin in asking for a king. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, whom the Israelites are called to follow and serve wholeheartedly despite their previous disobedience. 4. <a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Saul is the newly anointed king of Israel, whose reign marks the beginning of the monarchy that the Israelites demanded. 5. <a href="/topical/g/gilgal.htm">Gilgal</a> The location where Samuel delivered this address, a significant site for Israel where they renewed their covenant with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_assurance.htm">Repentance and Assurance</a> Despite past sins, God offers forgiveness and calls for continued faithfulness. Believers should not be paralyzed by fear of past failures but should repent and move forward in obedience. <a href="/topical/w/wholehearted_service.htm">Wholehearted Service</a> Serving God requires total commitment. This involves aligning one's actions, thoughts, and desires with God's will, as emphasized by the Hebrew word "lebab" (heart), which denotes the inner self. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_leadership.htm">Faithfulness in Leadership</a> Just as the Israelites were called to follow God despite having a human king, Christians are reminded to prioritize God's authority over any earthly leadership. <a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship.htm">Covenant Relationship</a> The call to serve God with all one's heart is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. This relationship demands loyalty and devotion. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a> The exhortation "Do not be afraid" highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when facing the consequences of sin.<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/what_do_lions_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What defines being devout?</a> <a href="/q/kierkegaard's_key_ideas_and_works.htm">What are Kierkegaard's key ideas and notable works?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_1_sam_16_7,_16_12_on_looks.htm">How do we reconcile 1 Samuel 16:7's emphasis on God looking at the heart with David's 'handsome' description in 16:12, suggesting external attributes mattered?</a> <a href="/q/how_verify_1_sam_12_19_repentance.htm">How could the people's immediate repentance in 1 Samuel 12:19 be verified historically or culturally?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness.--A very great and precious evangelical truth is contained in these comforting words of the great and good seer. They show how deeply this eminent servant of the Most High had entered into the Eternal thought. No sin or course of sin was too great to be repented of. Afar off these true ministers of the Lord saw, though, perhaps, "in a glass' darkly," the Lamb of God, whose blood cleanseth from all sin. Isaiah often pressed home the same truth to the sinning Israel of his own day in such terms as, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow;" and Samuel's words--bidding the people, in spite of the guilty past, yet press on, following the Lord and serving Him with all the heart--were taken up by Samuel's prophet-successors, and repeated in coming ages again and again in such moving exhortations as, "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God" (<a href="/hosea/14-1.htm" title="O Israel, return to the LORD your God; for you have fallen by your iniquity.">Hosea 14:1</a>). They were re-echoed by men like Paul, who, with stirring loving words, bade their hearers, forgetting all the things that were behind, their past guilt and failure, press on still fearlessly for the real prize of life.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Ye have done all this wickedness. The ye is emphatic, and to give its force we should translate, "Ye have indeed done all this evil." From following Jehovah. See on ver. 15. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/12-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be afraid,” תִּירָ֔אוּ (tî·rā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten Samuel שְׁמוּאֵ֤ל (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 replied. וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Even though you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you have committed עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם (‘ă·śî·ṯem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every this הַזֹּ֑את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, evil, הָרָעָ֖ה (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not turn aside תָּס֙וּרוּ֙ (tā·sū·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside from following מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י (mê·’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part 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 but serve וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֥ם (wa·‘ă·ḇaḏ·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave 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 with all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every your heart. לְבַבְכֶֽם׃ (lə·ḇaḇ·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 12:20 Samuel said to the people Don't be (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:21" /></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>