1 Samuel Chapter 12 · Verse 1
And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
Behold I have hearkened
H8085
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
Behold I have hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לְכֹ֥ל
H3605
לְכֹ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וָֽאַמְלִ֥יךְ
unto me and have made
H4427
וָֽאַמְלִ֥יךְ
unto me and have made
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
13 of 15
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
Cross References
1 Samuel 10:24And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.1 Samuel 10:1Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
Historical Context
Samuel's address follows ancient Near Eastern covenant-renewal patterns, similar to Moses' farewell in Deuteronomy. As the last judge, Samuel bridges two eras of Israelite governance. His public vindication ceremony established a precedent for accountability that kings would be expected to follow.
Questions for Reflection
- How do faithful leaders handle transitions, especially when the new direction was not their preference?
- What can we learn from Samuel's willingness to serve despite disagreeing with the people's choice?
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.
Samuel's farewell address marks the formal transition from theocratic judgeship to monarchy. His opening 'Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice' contains subtle rebuke - he granted their request for a king despite knowing it reflected rejection of divine rule (8:7). By emphasizing his compliance, Samuel prepares to contrast his faithful service with the uncertain future of human kingship. The phrase 'made a king over you' places responsibility for this choice squarely on Israel.