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1 Samuel 12

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 12 of 31

1 And Samuel said to all Israel, Behold, I have heard your voice, to all that you said to me, and I made a king to reign over you.

2 And now, behold, the king is walking before you, but I am old and gray. And, behold, my sons, they are with you. And I have walked before your face from my youth until this day.

3 Behold, I am here! Testify against me before Jehovah and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, and whose ass have I taken, and whom have I oppressed? Whom have I crushed, and from whose hand have I taken a bribe that I might hide my eyes with it; and I will give back to you.

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Chapter Summary

Samuel testifies his integrity. He reproaches the people for ingratitude. He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time. He comforts them in God's mercy.

Key Hebrew Words

יַעֲקֹ֖ב Jacob H3290 · TWOT 1676f
הוֹאִ֣יל shew willingness H2974 · TWOT 831
מִצְרָֽיִם Egypt H4714 · TWOT 1235
תִּסָּפֽוּ sweep away H5595 · TWOT 1531
קֹל֖וֹת lightness H6963 · TWOT 2028b

People & Context

Samuel's Testimony of Integrity

Samuel stands before Israel and testifies to his lifelong innocence, asking if he has ever oppressed anyone or taken a bribe, which the people deny.

Samuel Recounts Israel's History

Samuel recounts Jehovah's righteous acts, reviewing Israel's history of rebellion, their subsequent subjugation to enemies, and deliverance through Go…

Samuel Warns the King and People

Presenting the king they chose, Samuel warns that both the people and the king must fear and obey Jehovah, or His hand will be against them.

Timeline

Samuel's Testimony of Integrity

Samuel stands before Israel and testifies to his lifelong innocence, asking if he has ever oppressed anyone or taken a bribe, which the people deny.

1 Samuel 12:1-5
Samuel Recounts Israel's History

Samuel recounts Jehovah's righteous acts, reviewing Israel's history of rebellion, their subsequent subjugation to enemies, and deliverance through God-appointed judges.

1 Samuel 12:6-12
Samuel Warns the King and People

Presenting the king they chose, Samuel warns that both the people and the king must fear and obey Jehovah, or His hand will be against them.

1 Samuel 12:13-15

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