18. And Samuel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain on that day.
19. And all the people feared the Lord and Samuel exceedingly. And all the people said to Samuel: "Pray, on behalf of your servants, to the Lord your God, so that we may not die. For we have added to all our sins this evil, that we would petition for a king."
20. Then Samuel said to the people: "Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil. Yet truly, do not choose to withdraw from the back of the Lord. Instead, serve the Lord with all your heart.
21. And do not choose to turn aside after vanities, which will never benefit you, nor rescue you, since they are empty.
22. And the Lord will not abandon his people, because of his great name. For the Lord has sworn to make you his people.
23. So then, far be it from me, this sin against the Lord, that I would cease to pray for you. And so, I will teach you the good and upright way.
24. Therefore, fear the Lord, and serve him in truth and from your whole heart. For you have seen the great works that he has done among you.
25. But if you persevere in wickedness, both you and your king will perish together."