📖WEB · 1 Samuel 12:21
What does 1 Samuel 12:21 mean?
"Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain."
— 1 Samuel 12:21 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
So Samuel called to Yahweh; and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day. Then all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel.
All the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for a king.”
Samuel said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed done all this evil; yet don’t turn away from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart.
Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain.
For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself.
Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
Only fear Yahweh, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.
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