Fear not: see the comments at 4.20, where the same expression is used in the singular. Here it is plural. Samuel wants to reassure the people that, in spite of their sin, all is not lost.

The words all this evil seem to refer to the evil of asking for a king. For this reason Good News Translation says “such an evil thing,” and Klein says “this great evil.” But it is possible that Samuel is referring also to the evil done by their ancestors (verses 6-11).

Yet: this translates the Hebrew adverb often rendered “only” (as in 1.23 and 8.9). It is so translated here by Moffatt. Some have rendered it “still” (New American Bible) or “but now” (Knox). But others restructure the entire clause beginning with the word “Although.” New Jerusalem Bible, for example, says “Although you have done all these wicked things, do not withdraw your allegiance from Yahweh.”

Serve the LORD with all your heart: Samuel’s words remind the reader of Moses’ words of exhortation in Deut 10.12; 11.13. Regarding the heart, see the comments on 1.8, and on the overall expression with all your heart, see 7.3.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .