1 Samuel 12:22

Authorized King James Version

PDF

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֠י H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִטֹּ֤שׁ will not forsake H5203
יִטֹּ֤שׁ will not forsake
Strong's: H5203
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
יְהוָ֔ה For the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה For the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְעָֽם׃ his people H5971
לְעָֽם׃ his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 6 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בַּֽעֲב֖וּר H5668
בַּֽעֲב֖וּר
Strong's: H5668
Word #: 7 of 16
properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that
שְׁמ֣וֹ name's H8034
שְׁמ֣וֹ name's
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 8 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הַגָּד֑וֹל for his great H1419
הַגָּד֑וֹל for his great
Strong's: H1419
Word #: 9 of 16
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
כִּ֚י H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 10 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הוֹאִ֣יל sake because it hath pleased H2974
הוֹאִ֣יל sake because it hath pleased
Strong's: H2974
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
יְהוָ֔ה For the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה For the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 12 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת to make H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת to make
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 13 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶתְכֶ֛ם H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
ל֖וֹ H0
ל֖וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 15 of 16
לְעָֽם׃ his people H5971
לְעָֽם׃ his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 16 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

Here Samuel reveals the foundation of hope: 'the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake.' Israel's security rests not on their faithfulness but on God's commitment to His own reputation (shem). The phrase 'because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people' grounds election in divine initiative and delight, not human merit. God's choice created obligations He freely assumed. This theology of grace anticipates Paul's argument in Romans 9-11 about God's irrevocable call.

Historical Context

Divine name theology appears throughout the Old Testament (Ezekiel 36:22-23). God acts for His name's sake - His reputation among the nations - which is tied to Israel's existence as His chosen people. This provides security even when Israel deserves abandonment.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources