1 Samuel, 12
21. Do not turn to meaningless idols which can neither profit nor save; they are nothing.
21. Do not turn to meaningless idols which can neither profit nor save; they are nothing.
1 Samuel 12 begins with Samuel saying goodbye to the people of Israel and making a retrospective of the leadership of the people from the time of the judges to the present moment, when the people cried for a king. He urges the people to fear God and follow their commandments, reminding them that if they rebel, they will be punished. Samuel also demonstrates the power of God, bringing a storm that scares the people. Next are five verses related to the topics addressed in 1 Samuel 12, in order of proximity to the chapter:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. Thou shalt love, for the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy power." This verse speaks of the importance of fearing God and loveing Him with all his heart, soul, and strength, as Samuel exhorted the people of Israel to do.
Deuteronomy 11:16: "Keep that your heart be deceived, and deviate, and will serve other gods, and prostre you before them." This verse warns the people of Israel not to deviate from God's commandments and worship other gods, as Samuel warned them that if they rebelled, they would be punished.
1 Kings 8:35: "When the heavens surround themselves, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you, and pray in this place, and confess your name, and convert from their sins, and thou hast afflicted." This verse speaks of the demonstration of God's power in nature, as Samuel demonstrated by bringing the storm, and also speaks of the importance of confession and conversion of sins.
2 Chronicles 7:14: "And if my people, which is called by my name, humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and convert from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive yours Sins, and I will heal your land. " This verse reinforces the importance of humility, prayer, and conversion of sins, as Samuel urged the people of Israel to do.
Psalm 51:17: "Sacrifices to God are the broken Spirit; to a broken and contrite heart thou shalt not despise, O God." This verse speaks of the importance of humility and contrition before God, as Samuel urged the people of Israel to do. He also speaks of the importance of true worship and regret.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
