Bible Strands

1 Samuel 12:16

Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Samuel addresses the assembled Israelites at the conclusion of his judicial ministry, urging them to gather and witness a forthcoming divine sign. He speaks to a people who have just demanded a king, positioning himself as a witness before Yahweh.

The words — The Hebrew imperative הִתְיַצְּבוּ (hit.ya.tze.vu) commands the people to "stand" or "present yourselves," paired with רְאוּ (re'u) meaning "see." The phrase הַדָּבָר הַגָּדוֹל הַזֶּה (ha.davar ha.gadol ha.zeh) literally renders "this great thing."

The thread — The command to stand and witness divine action echoes Moses' instruction in Exodus 14:13 to "stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation." Samuel's appeal to visibly perceive Yahweh's power also parallels the Israelites' recognition of His might in Exodus 14:31.

Why it lands — The text demands immediate physical and spiritual attention to a forthcoming demonstration of divine authority. It requires the reader to recognize that witnessing God's actions is intended to produce knowledge of human rebellion rather than mere spectacle.

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

גַּם־gam-alsoעַתָּה֙'a.Tahnowהִתְיַצְּב֣וּhit.ya.tze.Vustandוּרְא֔וּu./re.'Uand/ seeאֶת־'et-<obj.>הַדָּבָ֥רha./da.Varthe/ thingהַגָּד֖וֹלha./ga.Dol<the>/ greatהַזֶּ֑הha./Zeh<the>/ thisאֲשֶׁ֣ר'a.Sherwhichיְהוָ֔הYah.wehYahwehעֹשֶׂ֖ה'o.Seh[is] about to doלְעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃le./'ei.nei./Khemto/ eyes/ your

King James Version

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

Cross-references