1 Samuel 12:23 kjv
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1 Samuel 12:23 nkjv
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
1 Samuel 12:23 niv
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
1 Samuel 12:23 esv
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
1 Samuel 12:23 nlt
"As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.
1 Samuel 12 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 18:23-33 | Abraham drew near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away... | Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| Ex 32:11-14 | But Moses implored the LORD his God... | Moses's powerful intercession for Israel after the golden calf incident. |
| Num 16:32-33 | the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up... | Moses and Aaron interceded even in severe judgment. |
| Deut 6:7 | You shall teach them diligently to your children... | Command to teach God's ways continually. |
| 1 Sam 7:5 | Samuel said, "Assemble all Israel at Mizpah... | Samuel's prior role as intercessor and judge. |
| Job 42:10 | And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job...when he prayed for his friends. | Prayer for others brings blessing. |
| Psa 25:8-9 | Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners... | God instructs those who are good and upright. |
| Psa 106:23 | Therefore He said that He would destroy them... | Intercession averts wrath, similar to Moses. |
| Jer 7:16 | "As for you, do not pray for this people... | A contrasting command when God's judgment is irreversible. |
| Jer 15:1 | Then the LORD said to me, "Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me..." | Moses and Samuel recognized as paradigmatic intercessors. |
| Isa 30:21 | Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it..." | God promises to guide His people. |
| Rom 1:9 | For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit...how unceasingly I make mention of you... | Paul's commitment to unceasing prayer for others. |
| Rom 8:34 | Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised...who also intercedes for us. | Christ as the ultimate intercessor. |
| Rom 12:1-2 | present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice...transform by the renewing of your mind... | Living a good and right way requires spiritual transformation. |
| Eph 1:16 | I do not cease giving thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. | Paul's practice of constant thanksgiving and prayer. |
| Eph 6:18 | With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit... | Exhortation to continuous and diligent prayer. |
| Col 1:9 | For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray... | Paul's unwavering intercession for believers. |
| 1 Thess 5:17 | Pray without ceasing. | Command to maintain a constant attitude of prayer. |
| 1 Tim 2:1-2 | First of all, then, I urge that entreaties...be made for all men... | Call for comprehensive intercessory prayer. |
| Heb 7:25 | Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near...since He always lives to make intercession for them. | Christ's perpetual intercession for believers. |
| Heb 12:12-13 | make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame... | Exhortation to live uprightly. |
| Jam 5:16 | The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. | The power and importance of prayer. |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching... | Scripture provides the "good and right way" to be taught. |
| 1 Jn 2:1 | My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. | Aim to guide others away from sin. |
1 Samuel 12 verses
1 Samuel 12 23 Meaning
This verse embodies Samuel's unwavering commitment to Israel, despite their recent rejection of the LORD as their king by demanding a human one. He vehemently declares that he considers it a sin against God if he were to cease interceding for them through prayer. Furthermore, he pledges to continue guiding them in the path of righteousness and obedience to the LORD's commands. It underscores the profound responsibility of spiritual leadership, where constant prayer and instruction are seen as essential duties, not optional choices.
1 Samuel 12 23 Context
First Samuel chapter 12 takes place at a pivotal moment in Israelite history: the transition from the judgeship to the monarchy. Samuel, as the last of the judges and a revered prophet, is delivering his farewell address to the nation, affirming his integrity and recounting God's faithfulness despite Israel's recurrent disobedience. The immediate context of verse 23 follows the people's confession of sin for asking for a human king (1 Sam 12:19) and their fear that they had added to all their sins "this evil" by seeking a king (1 Sam 12:17). Samuel reassures them of God's mercy if they remain obedient, while warning against turning away from the LORD. Amidst their repentance and fear, Samuel clarifies his continued role, demonstrating his devotion to God and the nation. His commitment to perpetual prayer and teaching acts as both an act of grace and a firm reminder of their ongoing obligation to walk in God's ways. Implicitly, this passage also critiques the common notion of pagan kingship that ruled by brute force or personal will, positioning Israel's new king under the divine rule and the continuing authority of God's prophets.
1 Samuel 12 23 Word analysis
- "Moreover as for me": Samuel distinctly sets himself apart, emphasizing his personal, committed responsibility despite the people's sin and the shift in governmental structure. It highlights his individual conviction and unwavering dedication.
- "God forbid" (Heb. chalilah, חָלִלָה): A strong emphatic exclamation meaning "far be it," "never," or "profane be it." It denotes an utter rejection of the idea or action, signifying that the act of ceasing to pray would be an abominable sin in Samuel's eyes. It is not merely "I hope not," but a categorical rejection.
- "that I should sin" (Heb. chata', חָטָא): To "miss the mark," "err," or "offend." For Samuel, failing in his duty as a prophet and intercessor was a direct offense against God, not merely a social oversight. It underscores that prayer is not optional for a spiritual leader.
- "against the LORD": This specifies the nature and recipient of the sin. It is a violation of his covenant duty and a personal offense against the divine authority, demonstrating Samuel's absolute accountability to God.
- "in ceasing" (Heb. chadal, חָדַל): To stop, desist, or abandon an action. The continuity of prayer is key; to cease implies a deliberate cessation of a vital function.
- "to pray" (Heb. hitpallel, הִתְפַּלֵּל): The Hithpael form indicates a reflexive or intensive action, often meaning "to intercede," "to mediate," or "to judge oneself." It conveys the earnest, persistent, and self-implicating nature of Samuel's prayer on behalf of the people. This is not casual communication but deeply concerned intercession.
- "for you": Direct object of Samuel's prayer, referring to the entire nation of Israel. This shows Samuel's shepherd-heart, praying for the very people who had sinned by rejecting God's direct rule and Samuel's indirect leadership.
- "but I will teach you": Despite stepping down as judge, Samuel maintains his prophetic and teaching role. This highlights the ongoing necessity of divine instruction alongside prayer for spiritual well-being.
- "the good" (Heb. tov, טוֹב): That which is morally right, beneficial, pleasing to God, and conducive to a flourishing life. It encompasses all aspects of walking in accordance with God's will.
- "and the right way" (Heb. yashar, יָשָׁר): Literally "straight" or "upright." It implies correctness, integrity, and justice, contrasting with their crooked path of disobedience and self-will. This "way" is life according to God's commandments.
Words-group analysis
- "God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you": This powerful statement establishes intercessory prayer as an essential duty of leadership. For Samuel, dereliction of this duty would be a direct offense to God Himself, indicating the high value God places on such spiritual mediation and commitment. It emphasizes that leaders are accountable to God for the spiritual well-being of their flock.
- "but I will teach you the good and the right way": This phrase combines instruction with moral direction. Samuel's continued commitment is not just about spiritual intervention (prayer) but also about practical guidance. It illustrates that spiritual growth involves both divine connection and understanding/following divine precepts, embodying the two-fold ministry of a prophet-leader.
1 Samuel 12 23 Bonus section
- Samuel's enduring role: Even with the transition to monarchy, Samuel reminds the people and the new king that the prophet's role (intercession and teaching God's way) remains paramount for Israel's welfare, transcending political structures.
- God's faithfulness in context: This verse should be read in conjunction with 1 Sam 12:22 ("For the LORD will not forsake His people for His great name's sake, because it pleased the LORD to make you His people."). Samuel's continued commitment reflects God's own unwavering faithfulness, despite Israel's transgressions. Samuel's steadfastness is a tangible representation of God's enduring love for His covenant people.
- Leadership responsibility: The verse sets a high standard for spiritual and even civil leadership, suggesting that a leader's failure to continually seek God's grace and guidance for their people is a sin of omission, a profound dereliction of duty that offends the divine. It transforms prayer from a private devotion into a public, integral aspect of leadership.
1 Samuel 12 23 Commentary
1 Samuel 12:23 is a profound statement by Samuel, reflecting a dedicated leader's heart for his people and an unyielding commitment to his divine calling. His declaration, "God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you," reveals that intercessory prayer for one's community is not merely a beneficial act, but a solemn obligation, the neglect of which amounts to sin against God. This elevates the spiritual practice of intercession to a covenantal duty, vital for the health and continued blessing of the nation. Despite Israel's recent significant sin of rejecting God by demanding a human king, Samuel, in his role as God's representative, extends grace and ongoing care. He views himself as permanently tethered to the nation's spiritual well-being. Coupled with his commitment to prayer is his promise to "teach you the good and the right way." This signifies that a true shepherd both intercedes for his flock and instructs them in righteousness, showing them how to walk in obedience to God's commandments. This dual approach of spiritual advocacy and moral instruction provides the people with the means to restore their relationship with God and navigate future challenges under their new king, reminding them that true leadership, even under a human monarchy, remains ultimately accountable to God and committed to His ways. This verse offers a timeless model for spiritual leadership—a steadfast commitment to intercession and faithful teaching of divine truth, irrespective of the flock's failings.