19. All the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we will not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.”
20. Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness, only do not turn aside from following the Lord, and serve the Lord with all your heart.
21. But do not turn aside, for then you would be going after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
22. As befits His great name, the Lord will not abandon His people. For it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.
23. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. But I will teach you the good and the right way.
24. Fear the Lord; serve Him in truth with all your heart, and consider what great things He has done for you.
25. But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king will be swept away.”