1 Samuel 12:12
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּרְא֗וּ
And when ye saw
H7200
וַתִּרְא֗וּ
And when ye saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָחָ֞שׁ
that Nahash
H5176
נָחָ֞שׁ
that Nahash
Strong's:
H5176
Word #:
3 of 18
nachash, the name of two persons apparently non-israelite
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּוֹן֮
of Ammon
H5983
עַמּוֹן֮
of Ammon
Strong's:
H5983
Word #:
6 of 18
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
עֲלֵיכֶם֒
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶם֒
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹ֕א
H3808
לֹ֕א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
shall reign
H4427
יִמְלֹ֣ךְ
shall reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
14 of 18
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
עָלֵ֑ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֑ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַֽיהוָ֥ה
over us when the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֥ה
over us when the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Judges 8:23And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.1 Samuel 10:19And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
Historical Context
Nahash's aggression against Jabesh-gilead (chapter 11) represented the immediate political crisis that precipitated the demand for monarchy. Israel's request effectively said that visible, permanent human military leadership was more trustworthy than invisible divine protection through temporary judges.
Questions for Reflection
- What fears drive us to seek security in human institutions rather than divine provision?
- How does demanding solutions 'like the nations' reflect failure to trust God's unique calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
Samuel reveals the specific trigger for demanding a king: 'when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you.' The Ammonite threat provoked fear that overwhelmed faith in divine provision. Their response 'Nay; but a king shall reign over us' rejected not merely Samuel but the LORD's kingship over them (8:7). Samuel exposes the irony: they wanted a king like the nations precisely when God was about to deliver them through the system they rejected (chapter 11).