Kings I 12:5

5 And Samuel said to the people, The Lord witness among you, and his anointed witness this day, that ye have not found anything in my hand: and they said, witness.

Kings I 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 12:5

And he said unto them, depart yet for three days, then come
again to me
Suggesting that he would consider of their proposal and inquire into the merits of it and as things should appear to him he would give them an answer in three days time; which at first sight may seem a point of prudence in him, to take time for deliberation and counsel in this affair, but in his case and circumstance it was very imprudent; for he might easily see there was discontent among the people, and a faction forming against him, and, by taking time to himself, he gave them time to take their measures, and hasten and ripen them for a revolt; for, by giving them such an answer, they might plainly perceive he was not inclined to give them satisfaction; it would have been the most advisable in him to have promised them at once that he would make them easy:

and the people departed;
to their quarters, and there remained to the third day.

Kings I 12:5 In-Context

3 Behold, I, answer against me before the Lord and before his anointed: whose calf have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom of you have I oppressed? or from whose hand have I taken a bribe, even a sandal? bear witness against me, and I will make restitution to you.

4 And they said to Samuel, Thou hast not injured us, and thou hast not oppressed us; and thou hast not afflicted us, and thou hast not taken anything from any one's hand.

5 And Samuel said to the people, The Lord witness among you, and his anointed witness this day, that ye have not found anything in my hand: and they said, witness.

6 And Samuel spoke to the people, saying, The Lord who appointed Moses and Aaron witness, who brought our fathers up out of Egypt.

7 And now stand still, and I will judge you before the Lord; and I will relate to you all the righteousness of the Lord, the things which he has wrought among you and your fathers.