1 Samuel 12:18
So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 18
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן
sent
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֧ן
sent
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֑וּא
H1931
הַה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיִּירָ֨א
feared
H3372
וַיִּירָ֨א
feared
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
11 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֥ם
and all the people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מְאֹ֛ד
greatly
H3966
מְאֹ֛ד
greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
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.Ezra 10:9Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
Historical Context
Thunder was associated with divine theophany in ancient Near Eastern religions, including Israel's own tradition (Exodus 19:16; Psalm 29). The combination of thunder and rain during harvest would have been economically threatening, intensifying the impact of the sign.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's dramatic interventions produce not just awe but genuine reverence and obedience?
- What is the relationship between fearing God and properly honoring His appointed messengers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Samuel's prayer receives immediate, dramatic response: 'the LORD sent thunder and rain that day.' The speed of fulfillment ('that day') demonstrates both Samuel's prophetic authority and God's sovereign control over creation. The people's response - 'greatly feared the LORD and Samuel' - achieves the intended result: recognition of divine authority mediated through prophetic ministry. The Hebrew pairs 'the LORD and Samuel' grammatically, not to equate them but to show that honoring God's prophet honors God.