שמואל א, פרק י״ב, פסוק י״ח

A sudden, miraculous natural phenomenon shakes the nation, forcing the people to confront their recent actions. Samuel prays for rain, fulfilling a promise he had made beforehand [מצודת דוד]. The response is immediate and clearly supernatural. Thunder and rain descend the moment he calls out, on a day entirely devoid of clouds or any natural signs of a storm. Since this occurs during the wheat harvest, a time when farmers naturally avoid working if the sky is overcast, the sudden downpour and loud thunder completely defy the laws of nature [אברבנאל].

The immediate reaction of the people is intense panic in the face of this bizarre weather [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, this physical terror quickly gives way to a profound sense of awe as they realize the gravity of their behavior. The primary approach among commentators is that their resulting fear is twofold, reflecting the dual nature of their sin in asking for a human king. They are struck with fear before God, understanding that the very demand for a king is a betrayal of His leadership. At the same time, they feel a deep fear before Samuel. By rushing to crown a new leader while the prophet is still alive, they realize they have rejected and betrayed the man who dedicated his life to serving them.