“And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.”
Samuel 12:5 is part of a larger context where the prophet Samuel addresses the people of Israel as they request a king to rule over them instead of judges. In this chapter, Samuel recounts the history of Israel and reminds them of God’s faithfulness to them as their leader.
The LORD as Witness:In this verse, Samuel declares that both the LORD (God) and His anointed (referring to himself as the appointed prophet) are witnesses to the people’s request for a king. By invoking God as a witness, Samuel emphasises the importance of their decision and the accountability they have before Him.
Samuel’s Integrity:Samuel asserts that the people have not found any wrongdoing or corruption in his leadership. He presents himself as a faithful and honest servant of God who has discharged his duties with integrity. This statement serves to emphasise Samuel’s credibility as he transitions the leadership to a king.
The People’s Response:The people acknowledge Samuel’s statement, affirming that he is indeed a witness to their actions. They recognise that Samuel’s leadership has been blameless and without any grounds for accusation.
This verse underscores Samuel’s commitment to his role as a prophet and judge in Israel. By pointing to God as the ultimate witness, Samuel ensures that the people understand the gravity of their decision and reminds them of their accountability to God. The verse also highlights Samuel’s righteousness and integrity, which further validates his authority and leadership among the people.
Overall, 1 Samuel 12:5 serves as a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, setting the stage for the transition from the era of judges to the era of kings. It conveys important themes of God’s sovereignty, human accountability, and the significance of righteous leadership.
