Samuel, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is renowned for his role as a prophet, judge, and leader. His life and actions are chronicled primarily in the books of 1 Samuel. Samuel's dedication to God and his righteous leadership are exemplified in his refusal to accept compensation for his judgments, setting a standard for integrity and selflessness in leadership.

Background and Role as Judge

Samuel was born to Hannah and Elkanah, dedicated to the Lord from birth as a Nazirite (1 Samuel 1:11). He was raised in the house of Eli the priest and called by God to be a prophet (1 Samuel 3:1-10). As a judge, Samuel led Israel during a tumultuous period, guiding them spiritually and politically. His leadership was marked by a commitment to justice and righteousness, as he sought to turn the hearts of the Israelites back to God.

Refusal of Compensation

In 1 Samuel 12, Samuel addresses the people of Israel, reminding them of his integrity and the manner in which he conducted his duties. He states, "Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to overlook something? Tell me, and I will restore it to you" (1 Samuel 12:3). The people respond, affirming that Samuel had not defrauded or oppressed them, nor had he taken anything from anyone's hand (1 Samuel 12:4).

Samuel's refusal to accept bribes or compensation for his judgments underscores his commitment to impartiality and justice. Unlike other leaders who might have used their position for personal gain, Samuel's leadership was characterized by a selfless dedication to serving God and His people. His actions reflect the biblical principle that leaders should serve with integrity, not for personal profit or advantage.

Legacy of Righteous Leadership

Samuel's example as a righteous ruler who did not receive compensation for judgment left a lasting impact on the nation of Israel. His leadership was a model of godly service, demonstrating that true authority comes from a heart aligned with God's will. Samuel's life and actions continue to serve as an inspiration for leaders who seek to govern with justice, humility, and a focus on the welfare of those they serve.

In the broader biblical narrative, Samuel's refusal to accept compensation is a testament to the values of honesty and integrity that are central to righteous leadership. His life serves as a reminder that those who lead God's people are called to do so with a pure heart, free from the corruption of personal gain.1 Samuel 12:3,4
Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind my eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
Nave's Topical Index

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... But we all, priests and laymen, rulers and ruled, are ordered ... and a son, and a freeman,
and righteous, and a ... Samuel, for instance, ceased not to mourn for Saul ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... that the nobles of Ephraim "sold the righteous for silver ... story of David's amour
with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1 ... a new one, and with this change of rulers the tide ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... righteous; for he hath preserved the lot of the righteous' (so lxii ... to a stone, meant
a stone that had not been worked ... a house with a family, as in 1 Samuel 2:35 ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

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