1 Samuel 12:16
Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
Now therefore
H1571
גַּם
Now therefore
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
עַתָּה֙
H6258
הִתְיַצְּב֣וּ
stand
H3320
הִתְיַצְּב֣וּ
stand
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
3 of 12
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
וּרְא֔וּ
and see
H7200
וּרְא֔וּ
and see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַגָּד֖וֹל
this great
H1419
הַגָּד֖וֹל
this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
7 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 14:13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.Exodus 14:31And 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.1 Samuel 12:7Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.1 Samuel 15:16Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
Historical Context
Prophetic signs authenticated divine messengers and their messages. The connection between prophet's word and subsequent fulfillment established credibility (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Samuel's sign would be particularly dramatic because it violated normal seasonal patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'great things' has God done to confirm His word in your experience?
- How should supernatural confirmation of prophetic warning affect our response?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.
Samuel summons Israel to witness a 'great thing' (gadol) that will authenticate his prophetic authority and confirm the seriousness of his warning. The call to 'stand and see' echoes Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13), connecting this moment to Israel's foundational deliverance. By announcing in advance what God will do, Samuel demonstrates prophetic foreknowledge that validates everything he has spoken. The coming sign will be undeniably supernatural.