King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 12:15 Mean?

But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.”

1 Samuel 12:15 · King James Version

Context

13

Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.

14

If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: commandment: Heb. mouth continue: Heb. be after

15

But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.

16

Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

17

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.

Read 1 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.

The negative counterpart presents parallel consequences: disobedience brings 'the hand of the LORD against you, as it was against your fathers.' The phrase 'fathers' recalls the judges-era pattern where disobedience led to oppression. Samuel warns that monarchy provides no exemption from this principle. The same God who disciplined their ancestors will discipline them regardless of political structure. The form of government cannot protect against consequences of covenant violation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history demonstrated repeatedly that military defeat and foreign domination followed spiritual apostasy (Judges 2:11-15). The pattern was not arbitrary punishment but natural consequence of abandoning the source of their protection. Samuel warns this pattern will continue under monarchy.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do we assume that better structures or leaders will protect us from consequences of disobedience?
  2. How does God's consistency in dealing with His people provide both warning and comfort?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִם
1 of 14
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֤א
2 of 14
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמְעוּ֙
3 of 14

“But if ye will not obey”

H8085
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּק֣וֹל
4 of 14

“the voice”

H6963
a voice or sound
יְהוָ֛ה
5 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמְרִיתֶ֖ם
6 of 14

“but rebel”

H4784
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֶת
7 of 14
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
פִּ֣י
8 of 14

“against the commandment”

H6310
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֛ה
9 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְהָֽיְתָ֧ה
10 of 14
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יַד
11 of 14

“then shall the hand”

H3027
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֛ה
12 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בָּכֶ֖ם
13 of 14
H0
וּבַאֲבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃
14 of 14

“be against you as it was against your fathers”

H1
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 12:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 24:20Isaiah 1:20Isaiah 3:11Romans 2:8-9Leviticus 26:14-301 Samuel 12:9

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