1 Samuel 12 finds the people of Israel facing the judgment of an angry God. In the short time the nation has had a king -Saul-, they have forgotten God, ceasing to fear the Lord. In the battle with the Ammonites, it was not the Lord of their salvation they called out for- but Saul. And, it was Saul, not God- they thanked and celebrated their victory. --Now Israel is sharply reminded with heavy words, peals of thunder, and a deluge of rain that the Lord will not be forgotten or play second fiddle to the king He set over them. But if they repent and return to him, they do not need to be afraid, -the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake.---Israel is not alone in forgetting the fear of the Lord and turning to false hopes. His displeasure over our faithlessness and idolatry is no less now than it was then. But- God's mercy, afforded to us by Christ, has also not been reduced.