1 Samuel 12:17

Is 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."

Study Bible

Is it not the wheat harvest today?
The timing of the wheat harvest in ancient Israel typically occurred in late spring or early summer, around May or June. This period was usually dry, making rain highly unusual and potentially damaging to the crops. The mention of the wheat harvest sets the stage for a miraculous event, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The harvest time was crucial for the agrarian society, and any disruption could lead to significant economic and food supply consequences. This context underscores the seriousness of the sign Samuel is about to invoke.

I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain,
Samuel's declaration to call upon the LORD for thunder and rain is significant because it demonstrates his role as a prophet and mediator between God and the people. Thunder and rain during the dry season would be seen as a divine intervention, highlighting God's power and authority. This act serves as a sign of God's displeasure with Israel's request for a king, contrasting with the typical weather patterns and showcasing God's control over nature. The event recalls other instances in Scripture where God uses weather as a sign, such as the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 9:23) and Elijah's prayer for rain (1 Kings 18:41-45).

so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed
The purpose of the miraculous sign is to convict the Israelites of their wrongdoing. By witnessing the unnatural storm, the people would recognize the seriousness of their sin in asking for a king. This phrase emphasizes the moral and spiritual implications of their request, framing it as a transgression against God's established order. The use of "know and see" suggests both intellectual and experiential understanding, indicating that the people would not only comprehend their sin but also feel its weight.

in the sight of the LORD
This phrase highlights the omniscience and omnipresence of God, who sees and judges the actions of His people. It underscores the idea that their request for a king was not just a political decision but a spiritual rebellion against God's kingship. The phrase serves as a reminder that all actions are ultimately accountable to God, who is the ultimate authority and judge. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, where God is depicted as the one who sees the hearts and actions of individuals (1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 15:3).

by asking for a king.
The request for a king represented a significant shift in Israel's governance and spiritual life. It was seen as a rejection of God's direct rule over His people, as He had been their king since the time of the Exodus. The desire for a human king was influenced by the surrounding nations, reflecting a lack of faith in God's provision and protection. This request fulfilled the prophecy given in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, where God anticipated Israel's desire for a king and provided guidelines for such a ruler. The request also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who would fulfill God's promise of a righteous and eternal kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-33).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. He is addressing the Israelites in this passage.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God's direct rule.

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

4. Wheat Harvest
A significant agricultural period in Israel, typically dry, making the coming rain and thunder an extraordinary event.

5. Thunder and Rain
A divine sign used by God to confirm Samuel's words and to convict the Israelites of their sin in asking for a king.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
God controls nature and uses it to communicate with His people. The unusual rain during the wheat harvest was a clear sign of His displeasure and power.

The Consequences of Rejecting God
The Israelites' demand for a king was a rejection of God's kingship. This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God's will rather than conforming to worldly desires.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role as a prophet was to guide and correct the people. We should value and heed godly counsel in our lives.

Repentance and Recognition of Sin
The Israelites needed to recognize their sin in asking for a king. We, too, must be willing to acknowledge our wrongdoings and seek God's forgiveness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the timing of the thunder and rain during the wheat harvest reveal about God's control over nature and His communication with His people?

2. How does the Israelites' request for a king reflect a broader human tendency to seek security in worldly systems rather than in God?

3. In what ways can we be tempted to reject God's direct rule in our lives today, and how can we guard against this?

4. How does Samuel's role as a prophet inform our understanding of the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability in the church?

5. Reflect on a time when you recognized a sin in your life. How did you respond, and what steps did you take to seek God's forgiveness and realign with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 11:14
Discusses the seasonal rains in Israel, highlighting the unusual nature of rain during the wheat harvest.

1 Samuel 8:7
God tells Samuel that the people's request for a king is a rejection of Him, not Samuel.

James 5:17-18
Elijah's prayer for rain, showing the power of prayer and God's control over nature.