17. Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call unto the LORD, that he may send thunder and rain; and ye shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.
18. So Samuel called unto 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 unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
20. And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have indeed done all this evil: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
21. and turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.
22. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you a people unto himself.
23. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
24. Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
25. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.