18. So Samuel prayed, and on that same day the Lord sent thunder and rain. Then all the people became afraid of the Lord and of Samuel,
19. and they said to Samuel, “Please, sir, pray to the Lord your God for us, so that we won't die. We now realize that, besides all our other sins, we have sinned by asking for a king.”
20. “Don't be afraid,” Samuel answered. “Even though you have done such an evil thing, do not turn away from the Lord, but serve him with all your heart.
21. Don't go after false gods; they cannot help you or save you, for they are not real.
22. The Lord has made a solemn promise, and he will not abandon you, for he has decided to make you his own people.