1 Samuel 12:15
But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמְעוּ֙
But if ye will not obey
H8085
תִשְׁמְעוּ֙
But if ye will not obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמְרִיתֶ֖ם
but rebel
H4784
וּמְרִיתֶ֖ם
but rebel
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
6 of 14
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
פִּ֣י
against the commandment
H6310
פִּ֣י
against the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
8 of 14
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהָֽיְתָ֧ה
H1961
וְהָֽיְתָ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יַד
then shall the hand
H3027
יַד
then shall the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Joshua 24:20If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.Isaiah 1:20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Isaiah 3:11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.1 Samuel 12:9And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated repeatedly that military defeat and foreign domination followed spiritual apostasy (Judges 2:11-15). The pattern was not arbitrary punishment but natural consequence of abandoning the source of their protection. Samuel warns this pattern will continue under monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- Do we assume that better structures or leaders will protect us from consequences of disobedience?
- How does God's consistency in dealing with His people provide both warning and comfort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.
The negative counterpart presents parallel consequences: disobedience brings 'the hand of the LORD against you, as it was against your fathers.' The phrase 'fathers' recalls the judges-era pattern where disobedience led to oppression. Samuel warns that monarchy provides no exemption from this principle. The same God who disciplined their ancestors will discipline them regardless of political structure. The form of government cannot protect against consequences of covenant violation.