1 Samuel 12:1-6

1 Then Samuel said to all Israel, "I have listened to everything you have said to me and appointed a king over you.

2 And now, here is the king who will lead you. I am old and gray, but my sons are with you. I have led you from my youth until this day.

3 Here I am. Testify against me in front of the LORD and in front of his anointed king. Did I take anyone's ox? Did I take anyone's donkey? Did I cheat or oppress anyone? Did I take a bribe from anyone to look the other way? [If so,] I will give it all back."

4 They answered, "You didn't cheat us, oppress us, or take anything from anyone."

5 Samuel told them, "The LORD is a witness to what you've said, and his anointed king is a witness today that you've found nothing in my hands." "He is a witness," they answered.

6 Samuel told the people, "The LORD appointed Moses and Aaron and brought your ancestors out of Egypt.

1 Samuel 12:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 12

In this chapter Samuel, resigning the government to Saul, asserts the integrity with which he had performed his office, and calls upon the people of Israel to attest it, who did, 1Sa 12:1-5, he then reminds them of the great and good things the Lord had done for them in times past, 1Sa 12:6-11 and whereas they had desired a king, and one was given them, it was their interest to fear and serve the Lord; if not, his hand would be against them, 1Sa 12:10-15 he terrifies them by calling for thunder in an unusual time, 1Sa 12:16-19 and then comforts and encourages them, that in doing their duty God would be with them, and not forsake them, otherwise they might expect nothing but ruin and destruction, 1Sa 12:20-25.