17
Is today not the wheat harvest? I will call to the Lord, and He will send thunder and rain, that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking a king for yourselves."
18
So Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.
19
And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves."
20
Then Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.
21
And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
22
For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.
23
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
24
Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
25
But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king."