Chapter
Verse

1 Samuel 12:12

ESV And when you saw that Nahash the king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the Lord your God was your king.
NIV "But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we want a king to rule over us’—even though the Lord your God was your king.
NASB But when you saw that Nahash the king of the sons of Ammon was coming against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us!’ Yet the Lord your God was your king.
CSB But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was coming against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king reign over us’—even though the Lord your God is your king.
NLT But when you were afraid of Nahash, the king of Ammon, you came to me and said that you wanted a king to reign over you, even though the Lord your God was already your king.
KJV 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.
NKJV And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the Lord your God was your king.

What does 1 Samuel 12:12 mean?

Please see our chapter commentary on 1 Samuel chapter 12, verse-level content coming soon!
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Context Summary
First Samuel 12:6–19 summarizes Israel's history under the judges (Judges 2:16–19). Despite God's use of judges, the people called for help from a king when Nahash threatened to invade (1 Samuel 11:3–4). This was faithless, but God allowed the nation to appoint Saul. Samuel reminds the people of their obligations to the Lord. He summons a storm, despite it being the dry season. The people are deeply affected by these events and acknowledge their sins.
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Chapter Summary
Samuel gives a speech to the gathered people of Israel, including Saul, the new king. This marks the end of his time as judge over Israel (Judges 2:16–19). He establishes a legal declaration that he is innocent of any corruption. After summarizing God's faithfulness to Israel, Samuel demonstrates that it was wrong of the people to ask for a human king. Yet he assures them of the Lord's faithfulness. He tells them to follow the Lord or be swept away along with their king. Samuel also affirms that he will continue to pray for the people and instruct them in the ways of God.
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