1 Samuel 12:13 kjv
Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
1 Samuel 12:13 nkjv
"Now therefore, here is the king whom you have chosen and whom you have desired. And take note, the LORD has set a king over you.
1 Samuel 12:13 niv
Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you.
1 Samuel 12:13 esv
And now behold the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; behold, the LORD has set a king over you.
1 Samuel 12:13 nlt
All right, here is the king you have chosen. You asked for him, and the LORD has granted your request.
1 Samuel 12 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 8:5 | "...appoint for us a king to govern us like all the nations." | People's original request for a king |
| 1 Sam 8:7 | "they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king..." | God's interpretation of their demand |
| 1 Sam 10:19 | "...You have this day rejected your God..." | Rejection of God reiterated |
| Deut 17:14-15 | "when you come to the land... and say, 'I will set a king over me..." | Moses' prophecy about desire for a king |
| Hos 13:11 | "I gave you a king in My anger, and took him away in My wrath." | God's response to king-seeking |
| Prov 21:1 | "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD..." | God's sovereign control over kings |
| Dan 2:21 | "...He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings..." | God's ultimate authority over rulers |
| Isa 45:7 | "I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity;" | God's all-encompassing sovereignty |
| Rom 9:18 | "So then He has mercy on whomever He desires, and He hardens whomever..." | God's sovereign will and permission |
| Judg 8:23 | "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD..." | Gideon rejecting human kingship (opposite) |
| Psa 75:7 | "But it is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another." | God's role in establishing/removing rulers |
| Job 12:23-24 | "He makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations..." | God's global control over nations and leaders |
| Jer 27:5 | "I have made the earth... and I give it to whomever it seems right to Me." | God's sovereign disposal of authority |
| John 19:11 | "You would have no authority over Me at all unless it had been given..." | Earthly authority granted by God |
| 1 Pet 2:13 | "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution..." | God-ordained authority, even if human-chosen |
| Tit 3:1 | "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities..." | God's ordination of authorities |
| Psa 2:6 | "As for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain." | God's eternal King (Messiah) |
| Isa 9:6-7 | "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... And the government..." | Prophecy of Christ's perfect kingship |
| Zech 9:9 | "Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation..." | Prophecy of the Messiah's humble arrival |
| Matt 2:2 | "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" | Recognition of Christ as King at birth |
| Rev 19:16 | "On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings..." | Christ's ultimate royal authority |
| 1 Sam 12:14-15 | "If you will fear the LORD... but if you will not obey... His hand..." | Conditional nature of the monarchy |
| 2 Chron 7:17-18 | "as you walk before Me... there shall not fail you a man on the throne." | God's covenant with Davidic kingship |
1 Samuel 12 verses
1 Samuel 12 13 Meaning
1 Samuel 12:13 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as the prophet Samuel formally presents Saul as king, acknowledging that this was the people's desired choice. The verse conveys two central truths: first, it underscores that the kingship was primarily a human demand and selection, driven by the people's desire to be "like all the nations." Second, it paradoxically asserts God's sovereignty, stating that even though the people chose, the Lord Himself ultimately "set" the king over them. This implies divine permission and a level of orchestration, even when a choice goes against His perfect will, thereby establishing Saul's legitimacy under divine appointment, but not without the implication of Israel's sin in requesting a king in the first place.
1 Samuel 12 13 Context
1 Samuel chapter 12 details Samuel's farewell address to the nation of Israel as he steps down from his formal role as judge. This speech serves as a crucial theological and historical review, recounting God's faithfulness from the Exodus to their present day, while also indicting Israel for their persistent sin and rejection of Him. Verse 13 immediately follows Samuel's stark accusation in verse 12 that the people demanded a king out of fear of Ammon and despite the Lord their God being their true King and Deliverer. Thus, it comes at a moment where the formal establishment of the human monarchy, particularly Saul's reign, is confirmed, yet simultaneously highlighted as a product of Israel's sinful demand rather than God's preferred ideal for them at that time. It underscores the tension between human will and divine sovereignty.
1 Samuel 12 13 Word analysis
- Now therefore: This connective phrase (Hebrew: we'attah) signals a logical conclusion or transition in Samuel's speech. It marks a decisive point following his historical review and challenge. It sets the stage for a present reality and its implications.
- behold: (Hebrew: hinneh) This is an emphatic particle, drawing immediate and strong attention to what is about to be said. It means "look!" or "pay attention!" and serves to highlight the significance and dramatic impact of Samuel's declaration. Its repetition within the verse further intensifies this focus.
- the king: (Hebrew: hammelek) Refers specifically to Saul, who has been divinely designated but presented as chosen by the people. The definite article emphasizes that this is the long-desired king.
- whom you have chosen: (Hebrew: asher bechartem) This phrase emphasizes the people's active role and initiative in bringing about the kingship. It highlights their decision, often interpreted as a rejection of God's direct rule (as seen in 1 Sam 8:7). This was not God's original plan for this stage, but rather a concession to their persistent demand. The verb "chosen" implies their preference and desire for a human leader "like all the nations" (1 Sam 8:5).
- and for whom you have asked!: (Hebrew: wa'asher sh'altem) Reinforces the previous phrase, reiterating the people's direct and repeated petition for a king. The parallel construction underscores the culpability of their demand. It suggests that this kingship is a direct result of their request, placing the responsibility squarely upon them.
- And behold: (Hebrew: wehinneh) The repetition of hinneh heightens the emphasis, signaling another critical and possibly contrasting or supplementary truth. It draws attention to a divine action following the human one.
- the Lord: (Hebrew: YHWH) Refers to God, the covenant-making, sovereign God of Israel. His action contrasts with and supersedes the human actions just described.
- has set a king over you: (Hebrew: natan alekem melek) This statement reveals the paradoxical interplay between human will and divine sovereignty. While the people chose and asked, God gave or appointed (from natan - "to give," "to place," "to put"). This shows that despite their sinful motivation, God allowed, consecrated, and established Saul's rule, legitimizing the new monarchy through divine permission. It suggests that even the people's rebellion ultimately unfolds within the framework of God's overarching plan and sovereignty. It emphasizes that no human ruler gains authority apart from God's ultimate allowance.
1 Samuel 12 13 Bonus section
- The presentation of Saul in 1 Samuel 12:13 establishes his kingship not solely as a punishment for Israel's sin but also as a demonstration of God's capacity to work even through human failures to achieve His broader redemptive plan. God chose Saul and validated him through Samuel despite the people's wrong motives, showing that He is still able to work good (Rom 8:28).
- The phrase "whom you have chosen and for whom you have asked" emphasizes the concept of consequential freedom. While Israel was free to choose to ask for a king, they were not free from the consequences or divine assessment of that choice. It highlights the principle that God allows human will, but retains ultimate control.
- This verse subtly lays the groundwork for understanding the conditional nature of the early Israelite monarchy. Unlike the later, unconditional Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7), the initial kingship under Saul was explicitly linked to Israel's continued obedience. Their choice of king necessitated an even greater fidelity to God to avoid calamity, which is articulated in the following verses (1 Sam 12:14-15).
1 Samuel 12 13 Commentary
1 Samuel 12:13 is a succinct theological statement that captures the complexity of Israel's transition to monarchy. Samuel's presentation of Saul is filled with ironic tension. The "behold" serves as a direct summons for Israel to confront the king they desired and the God who nonetheless permits this new reality. It is a powerful affirmation that while Israel demanded a king out of flawed motives, often fueled by distrust in God and a desire for worldly conformity, God still ordained and installed that king. This highlights divine sovereignty working through human agency, even when that agency is driven by sin. Saul's authority, therefore, came not from the popular vote alone, but from God's allowance and appointment. This divine concession, however, carried with it grave warnings and conditions, which Samuel proceeds to elaborate upon, emphasizing that true well-being would still depend on the nation's obedience to the Lord, not merely on the presence of a king. It underscores that having a king did not negate their covenant obligations to Yahweh, nor did it absolve them of accountability for their initial demand.