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.
And Samuel said to them, 'The LORD is my witness against you, and his chosen king is also a witness today, that you have found nothing wrong in my hands.' And they answered, 'He is our witness.'
Samuel is publicly declaring his innocence before God and the people, asking them to confirm that he has served them honestly and faithfully.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel is addressing the Israelites during a pivotal moment as they transition from being led by judges to having a king, specifically after they demanded Saul as their ruler. Samuel is publicly defending his integrity as a leader, declaring that he has not mistreated or exploited the people, and he invokes God and His anointed (Saul) as witnesses to affirm this. This scene underscores the cultural emphasis on accountability among Israel's leaders in a time when divine guidance was central to governance.
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