Bible Strands
1 Samuel 11:12
Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The people address Samuel immediately after Saul’s morning assault on the Ammonite camp. They demand the execution of those who previously questioned Saul’s kingship.
The words — The phrase הָ/אֹמֵר יִמְלֹ֣ךְ (ha./'o.Mer yim.Lokh) literally translates to “is the one who said will he reign.” It captures the exact challenge to Saul’s authority that the crowd now wants to punish.
The thread — This demand for retribution echoes the worthless men who despised Saul in 1 Samuel 10:27 and parallels the harsh judgment in Luke 19:27. It stands in direct contrast to the immediate cessation of violence in 1 Samuel 11:13.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to observe how popular enthusiasm for a leader can quickly turn violent when challenged. It presents the tension between human vengeance and divine timing without endorsing either impulse.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.
- Luke 19:27 And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’”
- Psalms 21:8 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.