17 Isn’t the wheat harvest today?ac I will call on the Lord, and he will send thunder and rain so that you will recognize what an immense evil you committed in the Lord’s sight by requesting a king for yourselves.”ad 18 Samuel called on the Lord, and on that day the Lord sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.ae

19 They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servantsaf so we won’t die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of requesting a king for ourselves.”ag

20 Samuel replied, “Don’t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don’t turn away from following the Lord.ah Instead, worship the Lord with all your heart. 21 Don’t turn away to follow worthlessA things that can’t profit or rescue you; they are worthless.a 22 The Lord will not abandon his people,b because of his great name and because he has determined to make you his own people.c

23 “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.d I will teach you the good and right way. 24 Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.e 25 However, if you continue to do what is evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”f