A fierce rain storm in the middle of the springtime wheat harvest in every farmer’s nightmare. The Prophet Samuel knows exactly what he’s doing when he scares the Israelites into total submission and repentance by making a magic trick and creating such stormy weather show up suddenly, mid spring, as a proof of YHWH’s disapproval of the people’s choice to crown a king. As the Book of Samuel keeps engaging both sides of the pro/anti monarchy sentiments, today’s chapter is a prooftext for both sides, backed by supernatural signs meant to humble the people into future dependence not just on the king (politics) but also the prophet (religion).
Maybe it’s a metaphor for what is happening inside each one of us, always, in some way. We want the strong voice to tell us what to do, rule over us, lord and master, trusted and reliable. While we also know that there are ways inside that only we can master, and nobody can ever be in charge of. Both are divine, sometimes we clash. Sometimes it rains on our parade, and we packed no umbrellas. Some of us sing in the rain. Some flee.
Even though Samuel is going to live for 12 more chapters, he’s already quite old, and knows his time is up, and in today’s chapter, following the coronation in Gilgal, he delivers what is in effect his farewell speech, handing off some of his authority to the new king, with mixed feelings, and a mixed message.
The speech includes a reminder to the people that he’s taken no bribes or favors, a quick history lesson of the previous judges (he’s included in the list) and the repeated refrain that YHWH would rather not have them serve a flesh and blood king -- but will only agree to it as a concession, and as long as they adhere to the religious laws that over-rule royal decrees.
To reinforce the supernatural force he’s representing he defies the laws of nature. Samuel has not done this kind of prophetic magic trick before.
You were wrong to choose a king over the king of kings, he tells them, and I’ll prove it to you:
וַיִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶל־יְהֹוָ֔ה וַיִּתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה קֹלֹ֥ת וּמָטָ֖ר בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא וַיִּירָ֨א כׇל־הָעָ֥ם מְאֹ֛ד אֶת־יְהֹוָ֖ה וְאֶת־שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃
Samuel prayed to YHWH, and YHWH sent thunder and rain that day, and the people stood in awe of YHWH and of Samuel.
The magic trick works and the people, wet, bow their obedience to Samuel, his prophecy and leadership. At least for the moment.
But the use of magic-miracle is intriguing. It seems as though Samuel wants to use the last resort of larger than life proof to make sure his people don’t submit to the king-warrior at the expense of their religious obedience and obligation. A Midrashic text makes sense of this stormy moment through a parable: “This is like a city that rebelled against its ruler. What did the ruler do? Amass a large army and surround the city to scare the people into submission.. Thus, Samuel made summer into winter..”
Like Moses before him, and like Elijah in the days to come, Samuel brings out the big guns of the supernatural but also the danger of hunger. Rain mid spring will spoil the crops and bring financial ruin. He knows to scare them where it hurts.
The people, scared, obey. But will this be enough to curb their enthusiasm and help him hold on to his leadership? Once they fold their umbrellas and finish the harvest, the people, like all people, will once again forget.
Curious About Saul, Samuel and what’s it all about?
Join me tomorrow for our monthly online conversation and exploration of compelling themes and enduring questions in the Book of Samuel, as we get to know the rise the fall of King Saul. Bring your questions!
January 11 2023 1-2PM ET.
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Below the Bible Belt: 929 chapters, 42 months, daily reflections: Join Rabbi Amichai’s 3+ years interactive online quest to question, queer + re-read between the lines of the entire Hebrew Bible, with daily reflections, weekly videos and monthly learning sessions. January 2022-July 2025
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