1 Samuel 12:1

1 Samuel addressed all Israel: "I've listened to everything you've said to me, listened carefully to every word, and I've given you a king.

1 Samuel 12:1 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 12:1

And Samuel said unto all Israel
When assembled at Gilgal, after they had recognized Saul as their king, and he was established in the kingdom, and while in the midst of their mirth and joy:

behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye have said unto
me;
respecting the affair of a king, to which it must be limited, as appears by what follows; otherwise it is possible, in some things they might apply to him about, he did not think fit to hearken to them, and grant their request, or speak for them:

and have made a king over you;
that is, had by the direction and appointment of God chosen one by lot, anointed and declared him king; for it was the Lord alone, that, properly speaking, made him a king.

1 Samuel 12:1 In-Context

1 Samuel addressed all Israel: "I've listened to everything you've said to me, listened carefully to every word, and I've given you a king.

2 See for yourself: Your king among you, leading you! But now look at me: I'm old and gray, and my sons are still here. I've led you faithfully from my youth until this very day.

3 Look at me! Do you have any complaints to bring before God and his anointed? Have I ever stolen so much as an ox or a donkey? Have I ever taken advantage of you or exploited you? Have I ever taken a bribe or played fast and loose with the law? Bring your complaint and I'll make it right."

4 "Oh no," they said, "never. You've never done any of that - never abused us, never lined your own pockets."

5 "That settles it then," said Samuel. "God is witness, and his anointed is witness that you find nothing against me - no faults, no complaints."