Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you." Here I am.Samuel presents himself openly and transparently before the people of Israel. This phrase signifies readiness and accountability, echoing the posture of a servant before God, as seen in Isaiah 6:8. It reflects a leader's willingness to be scrutinized and judged by the community he serves. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed:
Samuel calls upon the people to testify against him if he has wronged them, doing so in the presence of God and the king, Saul, whom God has anointed. This highlights the seriousness of the occasion, as both divine and royal authority are invoked. The term "anointed" connects to the Hebrew word "Messiah," foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Whose ox or donkey have I taken?
Samuel asks if he has unlawfully taken property, specifically livestock, which were valuable assets in ancient Israelite society. This question underscores the importance of integrity and justice in leadership, as seen in the laws of restitution in Exodus 22:1-4. Whom have I cheated or oppressed?
Samuel seeks to affirm his just treatment of the people, aligning with the biblical mandate against oppression found in Leviticus 19:13. This reflects God's concern for justice and fairness, themes prevalent throughout the Old Testament. From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes?
Bribery is condemned in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 23:8), as it perverts justice. Samuel's question emphasizes his commitment to impartiality and righteousness, qualities expected of leaders. This also prefigures the perfect justice of Christ, who judges without partiality. Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
Samuel offers restitution, demonstrating repentance and the desire to make amends, in line with the biblical principle of restitution (Numbers 5:6-7). This reflects the heart of a true servant leader, willing to correct wrongs, and points to the restorative work of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, Samuel is addressing the Israelites, affirming his integrity as he transitions leadership to King Saul. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who is the ultimate judge and witness to Samuel's integrity. 3. His AnointedRefers to King Saul, who was anointed by Samuel as the first king of Israel, representing God's chosen leader for the people. 4. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who are being addressed by Samuel. They are witnesses to Samuel's leadership and are called to testify if he has wronged them. 5. Ox and DonkeySymbols of wealth and livelihood in ancient Israel, representing the possessions that could be wrongfully taken or coveted. Teaching Points Integrity in LeadershipSamuel exemplifies the importance of integrity for those in leadership. Leaders should be able to stand before others and God with a clear conscience, as Samuel did. Accountability Before God and ManSamuel's willingness to be held accountable before God and the people is a model for all believers. We should live transparently, ready to make amends if we have wronged others. The Importance of a Clear ConscienceMaintaining a clear conscience is vital for spiritual health and effective ministry. Like Samuel, we should strive to live in such a way that no one can bring a legitimate charge against us. Repentance and RestitutionSamuel's readiness to make things right if he has wronged anyone teaches us the importance of repentance and restitution in our relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samuel's example of integrity challenge your own life and leadership roles? 2. In what ways can you ensure accountability in your personal and professional life, similar to Samuel's approach? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to make restitution for a wrong. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? 4. How can the principles of integrity and accountability in 1 Samuel 12:3 be applied in modern-day contexts, such as in the workplace or community? 5. Consider the connection between Samuel's integrity and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. How do they complement each other in guiding Christian conduct? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:15-16The commandments against stealing and bearing false witness connect to Samuel's declaration of integrity, as he asks if he has taken anything wrongfully or lied. Acts 24:16Paul speaks of maintaining a clear conscience before God and man, similar to Samuel's appeal to his own integrity. Proverbs 22:1The value of a good name and reputation is highlighted, aligning with Samuel's concern for his integrity. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Accepted, Anointed, Ass, Bear, Behold, Blind, Blinded, Blinding, Bribe, Bruised, Cheated, Crushed, Defrauded, Donkey, Hide, Holy, Injured, Oil, Oppressed, Over-against, Ox, Presence, Price, Ransom, Received, Restore, Shut, Testify, Therewith, Untrue, WitnessDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:3 4633 donkey
5134 blindness, natural
5184 standing
8201 blamelessness 1 Samuel 12:1-4 5897 judging others 1 Samuel 12:2-3 5238 bribery 1 Samuel 12:3-4 5253 cheating 1 Samuel 12:3-5 5555 stealing
6134 coveting, prohibition
8275 honesty
8356 unselfishness Library Old Truth for a New Epoch
'Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over yon. 14. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall both ye, and also the king that reigneth over you, continue following the Lord your God: 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Old Judge and the Young King
'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
? Perseverance of the Saints--"The Final Perseverance of Believers in Christ Jesus," by William O'Neill (message 5). The Rev. C. H. SPURGEON took the chair at 3 o'clock. The proceedings were commenced by singing the 21st Hymn-- Saved from the damning power of sin, The law's tremendous curse, We'll now the sacred song begin Where God began with us. We'll sing the vast unmeasured grace Which, from the days of old, Did all his chosen sons embrace, As sheep within the fold. The basis of eternal love …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
"Thou restrainest prayer before God."--JOB xv. 4. "What profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?"--JOB xxi. 15. "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."--1 SAM. xii. 23. "Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you."--JOSH. vii. 12. Any deep quickening of the spiritual life of the Church will always be accompanied by a deeper sense of sin. This will not begin with theology; that can only give expression to what God works …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 12:3 NIV1 Samuel 12:3 NLT1 Samuel 12:3 ESV1 Samuel 12:3 NASB1 Samuel 12:3 KJV
1 Samuel 12:3 Commentaries
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