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

1 SAMUEL 12:16KJV
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1 Samuel 12:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 12:16 mean?

In 1 Samuel 12:16, Samuel tells the people of Israel to stop and watch for an extraordinary act by the LORD. Samuel presents the coming event as something the people will witness for themselves, giving weight to what he has been saying to them.

Samuel speaks after warning the people about the consequences of disobeying the LORD. His command to “stand and see” asks the assembled people to give their attention to what is about to happen. The phrase “before your eyes” makes the promised event a public sight.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 12:16

  • “stand” — יָצַב (yatsav): The word can mean to take one’s stand or station oneself. Here it pictures the people taking their places as witnesses, rather than merely standing up.
  • “thing” — דָּבָר (davar): The word can refer to a matter, event, or word. In this verse, the “great thing” is an event the LORD is about to bring about.

Why 1 Samuel 12:16 matters

  • The coming sign is connected to the people’s request for a king. In verse 17, Samuel says the event will show them the seriousness of that request.
  • The event is unexpected for the season. Samuel calls for thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, and the people respond with fear when the LORD sends them (verses 17–18).
  • Samuel presents the LORD as the one acting, though Samuel announces what will happen. Verse 16 says the LORD “will do” the great thing; verse 18 says Samuel calls to the LORD.

Where else these words appear

“therefore” Hebrew H1571 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Deuteronomy 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
  • Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

“stand” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.