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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

מָשִׁיחַ anointed one H4899 · TWOT 1255c
מֶ֫לֶךְ king H4428 · TWOT 1199a
עֵד witness H5707 · TWOT 1576b
כֹּפֶר bribe H3724 · TWOT 1025d
יָרֵא fear, revere H3372 · TWOT 907
עָבַד serve H5647 · TWOT 1553

People & Context

Samuel

The prophet who, now old and gray, gives his farewell address, testifies to his integrity, and calls down thunder and rain

Nahash

King of the Ammonites whose threat against Israel drove the people to demand a king (v12)

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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