Verse

1 Samuel 12:17

ESV Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king."
NIV Is it not wheat harvest now? I will call on the Lord to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the Lord when you asked for a king."
NASB Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the Lord, that He will send thunder and rain. Then you will know and see that your wickedness is great which you have done in the sight of the Lord, by asking for yourselves a king.'
CSB Isn’t the wheat harvest today? I will call on the Lord, and he will send thunder and rain so that you will recognize what an immense evil you committed in the Lord’s sight by requesting a king for yourselves."
NLT You know that it does not rain at this time of the year during the wheat harvest. I will ask the Lord to send thunder and rain today. Then you will realize how wicked you have been in asking the Lord for a king!'
KJV Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king.
NKJV Is today not the wheat harvest? I will call to the Lord, and He will send thunder and rain, that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking a king for yourselves.”

What does 1 Samuel 12:17 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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