New International VersionThen Samuel called on the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel.
New Living TranslationSo Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people were terrified of the LORD and of Samuel.
English Standard VersionSo Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Berean Standard BibleSo Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
King James BibleSo Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
New King James VersionSo Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
New American Standard BibleSo Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
NASB 1995So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
NASB 1977So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Legacy Standard BibleSo Samuel called to Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel.
Amplified BibleSo Samuel called to the LORD [in prayer], and He sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Christian Standard BibleSamuel called on the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSamuel called on the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
American Standard VersionSo Samuel called unto Jehovah; and Jehovah sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared Jehovah and Samuel.
Contemporary English VersionSamuel prayed, and that same day the LORD sent a thunderstorm. Everyone was afraid of the LORD and of Samuel.
English Revised VersionSo Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Samuel called on the LORD. That day the LORD sent thunder and rain so that all the people feared the LORD and Samuel very much.
Good News TranslationSo Samuel prayed, and on that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. Then all the people became afraid of the LORD and of Samuel,
International Standard VersionSamuel called upon the LORD that same day, and the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
NET BibleSo Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD made it thunder and rain that day. All the people were very afraid of both the LORD and Samuel.
New Heart English BibleSo Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Webster's Bible TranslationSo Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
World English BibleSo Samuel called to Yahweh, and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Samuel calls to YHWH, and YHWH gives voices and rain on that day, and all the people greatly fear YHWH and Samuel;
Young's Literal Translation And Samuel calleth unto Jehovah, and Jehovah giveth voices and rain, on that day, and all the people greatly fear Jehovah and Samuel;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Samuel will call to Jehovah, and Jehovah will give voices and rain in that day: and all the people will be greatly afraid of Jehovah and Samuel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Samuel cried unto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Samuel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain on that day.
New American BibleSamuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people feared the LORD and Samuel.
New Revised Standard VersionSo Samuel called upon the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain on that place; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThen Shemueil called LORD JEHOVAH, and LORD JEHOVAH gave a sound and rain in that place, and all the people were very afraid of LORD JEHOVAH and of Shemueil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunders and rain in that day; and all the people feared greatly the Lord and Samuel.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Samuel's Farewell Address… 17Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” 18So Samuelcalledtothe LORD,and on thatdaythe LORDsentthunderand rain.As a result, allthe peoplegreatlyfearedthe LORDandSamuel.19They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”…
Cross References Exodus 9:23-24So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. / The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation.
James 5:17-18Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.
1 Kings 18:36-39At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. ...
Psalm 99:6-7Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. / He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them.
Jeremiah 10:13When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.
Matthew 8:26-27“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. / The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
Job 37:2-5Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. / He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. / Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds. ...
Mark 4:39-41Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” / Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Luke 8:24-25The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. / “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”
Revelation 11:6These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.
Psalm 135:6-7The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. / He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.
Jeremiah 14:22Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things.
Acts 14:17Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”
Psalm 18:13-14The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire. / He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
Isaiah 30:30And the LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and His mighty arm to be revealed, striking in angry wrath with a flame of consuming fire, and with cloudburst, storm, and hailstones.
Treasury of Scripture So Samuel called to the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. sent thunder Exodus 9:23-25 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt… Revelation 11:5,6 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed… feared Exodus 14:31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. Ezra 10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. Itwas the ninth month, on the twentiethday of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because ofthis matter, and for the great rain. Psalm 106:12,13 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise… Jump to Previous AwePrayerRainSamuelStoodThunderVoicesJump to Next AwePrayerRainSamuelStoodThunderVoices1 Samuel 12 1.Samuel testifies his integrity6.He reproves the people of ingratitude16.He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time20.he comforts them in God's mercySo Samuel called to the LORDSamuel, the last judge and a prophet of Israel, acts as an intercessor between God and the people. His role as a mediator is significant, reflecting the priestly function of calling upon God on behalf of the nation. This act of calling to the LORD demonstrates the intimate relationship Samuel has with God, akin to the prophets who would follow. It also prefigures the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for humanity. and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain
The timing of this event is crucial, as it occurs during the wheat harvest, a period typically characterized by dry weather in Israel. The sudden storm is a divine sign, emphasizing God's power and authority over nature. This miraculous event serves as a confirmation of Samuel's words and a reminder of God's sovereignty, similar to the plagues in Egypt which demonstrated God's control over creation. The thunder and rain symbolize God's displeasure with Israel's demand for a king, contrasting with the blessings of rain in other contexts. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel
The people's fear is a recognition of God's might and the authenticity of Samuel's prophetic office. This fear is not merely terror but a reverent acknowledgment of God's holiness and power. It echoes the fear experienced by the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:18-19) and serves as a call to repentance and obedience. The fear of the LORD is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with wisdom and the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 9:10). Samuel's role as a leader is affirmed through this event, as the people see him as God's chosen instrument. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, Samuel is demonstrating God's power to the Israelites. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who responds to Samuel's prayer by sending a miraculous sign of thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, a time when rain was unexpected. 3. The IsraelitesThe people of Israel who demanded a king to rule over them, rejecting God as their direct ruler. They witness the miraculous sign and are filled with fear and reverence. 4. Thunder and RainA miraculous event sent by God in response to Samuel's prayer, serving as a sign of divine displeasure with Israel's demand for a king. 5. Wheat HarvestThe time of year when this event took place, typically dry in Israel, making the sudden storm an unmistakable act of God. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is sovereign over nature and history. The unexpected thunder and rain during the wheat harvest demonstrate His control over creation and His ability to intervene in human affairs. The Power of PrayerSamuel's prayer and God's immediate response highlight the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will and intervention in our lives. Fear of the LORDThe Israelites' reaction of fear and reverence serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy fear of the LORD, recognizing His holiness and authority. Repentance and ObedienceThe event calls the Israelites to repentance and obedience, reminding us of the need to align our desires with God's will rather than pursuing our own agendas. God's Patience and MercyDespite Israel's rejection, God continues to guide and correct them, showing His patience and mercy. This encourages us to trust in God's enduring love and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 12:18?
2.How does 1 Samuel 12:18 demonstrate God's power in response to prayer?
3.What does Samuel's prayer teach about faithfulness in leadership?
4.How does this verse connect to God's sovereignty in other Scriptures?
5.How can we apply Samuel's example of prayer in our daily lives?
6.What does the people's reaction reveal about their understanding of God's authority?
7.How does 1 Samuel 12:18 demonstrate God's power and authority over nature?
8.What is the significance of Samuel's prayer in 1 Samuel 12:18?
9.How does 1 Samuel 12:18 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 12?
11.How is the sudden thunder and rain in 1 Samuel 12:17–18 scientifically plausible during wheat harvest?
12.Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?
13.If necromancy is condemned (Deut. 18:9-12), how can 1 Samuel 28:7-25 portray Saul successfully consulting a medium?
14.1 Samuel 2:12-17 describes corrupt priests at Shiloh--do archaeological records confirm such a worship center and priesthood as depicted?What Does 1 Samuel 12:18 Mean So Samuel called to the LORD• Samuel has just finished confronting Israel for demanding a human king (1 Samuel 12:12–17). Instead of retaliating, he turns immediately to prayer, underscoring his lifelong role as intercessor (see1 Samuel 7:8–9;Psalm 99:6). • His confidence that God will answer demonstrates the intimacy of a righteous servant with the Lord;James 5:16–18 echoes this same principle. • The scene reminds us that when confronted with national or personal sin, the first step is always to seek the Lord rather than rely on human strategies (2 Chronicles 7:14).
On that day the LORD sent thunder and rain• The timing is crucial—wheat harvest (vs 17) was the dry season in Israel. A sudden storm at this moment could only be supernatural, just as thunder in battle was God’s weapon in1 Samuel 7:10 or hail inExodus 9:23–24. • Thunder in Scripture often signifies God’s audible voice of judgment and authority (Psalm 29:3–9;Job 37:2–6). • By sending rain when the sky should have been clear, God validates Samuel’s warning that their demand for a king was evil, paralleling Elijah’s prayer-induced rain in1 Kings 18:41-45.
All the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel• The crowd witnesses an unmistakable sign and responds with “great fear,” the reverent awe that flows from direct exposure to God’s holiness (Exodus 20:18-19;Luke 5:8-9). • Samuel shares in that fear because God has authenticated his leadership, similar to the respect shown Moses after the Red Sea (Exodus 14:31) and the early church’s awe after Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:11). • This fear is meant to prompt repentance, not despair; verses 19-25 show the people pleading for mercy and Samuel reassuring them to “serve the LORD with all your heart.”
summary1 Samuel 12:18 portrays a living God who answers the prayer of His faithful servant with a miraculous storm, exposing Israel’s sin and stirring a healthy, humbling fear. Samuel’s intercession, the timely thunder and rain, and the people’s awe combine to illustrate that God rules nature, validates His prophets, and seeks a repentant, obedient covenant people. Verse 18. - Jehovah sent thunder and rain. Rain in Palestine falls usually only at the autumnal and vernal equinox, and though thunder storms are not unknown at other times, yet, by the general testimony of travellers, they are very rare. Naturally, therefore, this storm deeply impressed the minds of the people. Though not in itself miraculous, the circumstances made it so.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So Samuelשְׁמוּאֵל֙(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israelcalledוַיִּקְרָ֤א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readtoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe LORD,יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland on thatהַה֑וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aredayבַּיּ֣וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daythe LORDיְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsentוַיִּתֵּ֧ן(way·yit·tên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthunderקֹלֹ֥ת(qō·lōṯ)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6963:A voice, soundand rain.וּמָטָ֖ר(ū·mā·ṭār)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4306:RainAs a result, allכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe peopleהָעָ֥ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockgreatlyמְאֹ֛ד(mə·’ōḏ)Adverb
Strong's 3966:Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedilyfearedוַיִּירָ֨א(way·yî·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenthe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelandוְאֶת־(wə·’eṯ-)Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseSamuel.שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel
Links 1 Samuel 12:18 NIV1 Samuel 12:18 NLT1 Samuel 12:18 ESV1 Samuel 12:18 NASB1 Samuel 12:18 KJV
1 Samuel 12:18 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 12:18 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 12:18 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 12:18 French Bible1 Samuel 12:18 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 12:18 So Samuel called to Yahweh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
