1 Samuel 12:7
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
הִֽתְיַצְּב֛וּ
Now therefore stand still
H3320
הִֽתְיַצְּב֛וּ
Now therefore stand still
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
2 of 15
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
וְאִשָּֽׁפְטָ֥ה
that I may reason
H8199
וְאִשָּֽׁפְטָ֥ה
that I may reason
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
3 of 15
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
H854
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לִפְנֵ֣י
with you before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
with you before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צִדְק֣וֹת
of all the righteous acts
H6666
צִדְק֣וֹת
of all the righteous acts
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
9 of 15
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֥ה
which he did
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
which he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
H854
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
The covenant lawsuit (Hebrew rib) form was a prophetic genre where God indicted Israel for covenant violations. Micah 6:1-8 and Isaiah 1:2-20 provide later examples. Samuel pioneered this prophetic form that would characterize Israel's writing prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- How does reviewing God's faithful acts in history inform our present decisions?
- What 'righteous acts of the LORD' in your life should prevent you from seeking illegitimate securities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.
Samuel summons Israel to 'stand still' (yatsab - to station oneself, take a firm position) for a legal proceeding. He will 'reason' (shaphat - the same root as 'judge') with them concerning 'all the righteous acts of the LORD.' The phrase tsidqoth Yahweh refers to God's covenant faithfulness demonstrated through saving acts. Samuel functions as both prosecutor and witness, presenting evidence of divine faithfulness against which Israel's request for a king appears as covenant betrayal.