1 Samuel 12:16

Now, therefore, stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

Study Bible

Now, therefore,
This phrase indicates a conclusion or a call to action based on previous statements. In the context of 1 Samuel 12, Samuel has just recounted Israel's history and their demand for a king, which was a rejection of God's direct rule. The "therefore" serves as a transition from recounting past events to demonstrating God's power and authority.

present yourselves
This is a call for the Israelites to gather and witness what is about to happen. It implies readiness and attention, similar to how the Israelites were called to witness significant events in their history, such as the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:17). It underscores the importance of the moment and the need for the people to be attentive to God's actions.

and see this great thing
The "great thing" refers to a miraculous sign that God is about to perform. In the biblical narrative, God often uses signs and wonders to confirm His word and authority, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). This phrase emphasizes the extraordinary nature of what is about to occur, meant to instill awe and reverence.

that the LORD will do
This highlights that the forthcoming event is an act of God, not of human origin. It underscores God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His faithfulness and promises.

before your eyes.
The phrase indicates that the event will be visible and undeniable to the people. It serves as a direct witness to God's power and serves as a confirmation of Samuel's words. This visibility is crucial for establishing the credibility of the prophetic message and ensuring that the people understand the seriousness of their actions and God's response.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. He is delivering a farewell speech to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them, leading to the anointing of Saul as their first king.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is about to demonstrate His power and authority through a miraculous sign.

4. Gilgal
The location where Samuel delivered this speech, a significant site for Israel's history and religious ceremonies.

5. The Great Thing
Refers to the miraculous sign of thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, which was unusual and served as a divine confirmation of Samuel's words.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
God demonstrates His authority through miraculous signs, affirming His control over nature and history.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' demand for a king was a rejection of God's direct rule. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our desires with God's will.

Faith in Action
Samuel's call to "stand and see" requires faith and trust in God's promises and timing, even when circumstances seem daunting.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant, providing guidance and correction through His prophets.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Samuel serve as God's mouthpiece, delivering messages that call people back to faithfulness and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event in 1 Samuel 12:16 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and what does this teach us about His control over our lives today?

2. In what ways can we "stand and see" God's work in our own lives, especially during challenging times?

3. How does the Israelites' demand for a king reflect our own tendencies to seek security outside of God's provision?

4. What are some modern-day "prophets" or voices that God might be using to guide us back to His will, and how can we discern them?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in 1 Samuel 12:16 to our personal walk with Him, especially when we face doubts or fears?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14:13
Similar to Samuel's call to "stand and see," Moses tells the Israelites to stand firm and witness the salvation of the LORD during the crossing of the Red Sea.

1 Kings 18:36-39
Elijah calls upon God to demonstrate His power through fire from heaven, showing a parallel in how God uses natural phenomena to affirm His authority and the words of His prophets.

Psalm 46:10
The call to "be still and know that I am God" echoes the idea of standing and witnessing God's power and sovereignty.