1 Samuel 12:1-5

Common English Bible

Samuel’s last speech

12 Samuel said to all Israel: “Listen: I have done everything you asked of me and have placed a king over you. ² The king will lead you now. I am old and gray, though my sons are still with you, and I’ve been your leader since I was young until now. ³ So I’m here: Tell the truth about me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Have I ever stolen someone’s ox? Have I ever taken someone’s donkey? Have I ever oppressed or mistreated anyone? Have I ever taken bribes from someone and looked the other way about something? Tell me the truth.^[a] I will make it right.”

⁴ “You haven’t oppressed or mistreated us, and you’ve never taken anything from anyone,” the people answered.

⁵ Samuel replied, “The Lord and his anointed one are witnesses against you today that you haven’t found anything in my possession.”

“Agreed,” they said.