Samuel said to them, "The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand." "He is a witness," they replied. He said to themThis phrase introduces the speaker, Samuel, who is addressing the Israelites. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, holds a position of spiritual authority. His words carry weight, not just as a leader, but as a mouthpiece of God. Historically, prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and His people, and Samuel's role here is to remind the Israelites of their covenant responsibilities. The LORD is a witness
The invocation of the LORD as a witness is significant. In Hebrew, the word for "witness" is "עֵד" (ed), which implies a legal testimony. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God is not only a participant but also the ultimate judge and overseer of the covenant. Theologically, this underscores God's omniscience and His role as the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice. against you
This phrase indicates a legal and moral accountability. The Israelites are being reminded that their actions are under divine scrutiny. In the context of ancient Israel, where covenants were binding agreements, this serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of breaking faith with God. It emphasizes the seriousness of their relationship with the LORD. and His anointed
"His anointed" refers to the king, in this context, Saul. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "מָשִׁיחַ" (mashiach), from which we get "Messiah." This term signifies someone chosen and consecrated by God for a specific purpose. Saul, as the anointed king, represents God's chosen leadership for Israel. This highlights the divine authority and responsibility bestowed upon Saul. is a witness this day
The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the testimony. It is a call to recognize the present moment as significant in the eyes of God. In biblical terms, "this day" often marks a pivotal point of decision or revelation. It serves as a reminder that God's presence and judgment are not distant but immediate and active. that you have not found anything in my hand
Samuel is asserting his integrity and innocence. The phrase "in my hand" is a Hebrew idiom for possession or wrongdoing. Samuel is challenging the Israelites to testify if he has wronged them or taken anything unjustly. This reflects the biblical principle of leaders being above reproach, serving as a model of righteousness and justice. 'He is a witness,' they said
The Israelites' response acknowledges the truth of Samuel's statement. By affirming "He is a witness," they are agreeing to the terms of the covenant and recognizing both God's and Samuel's integrity. This collective affirmation underscores the communal aspect of faith and accountability in Israel's relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and integrity in the community of believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this chapter, Samuel is addressing the people of Israel, reminding them of his integrity and the faithfulness of God. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who is invoked as a witness to Samuel's integrity and the people's acknowledgment of it. 3. His AnointedRefers to King Saul, who was anointed by Samuel as the first king of Israel. Saul's presence as a witness underscores the transition from judges to monarchy. 4. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who are being addressed by Samuel. They are called to acknowledge Samuel's integrity and God's faithfulness. 5. WitnessThe concept of a witness is central here, as both God and His anointed serve as witnesses to the truth of Samuel's words and actions. Teaching Points Integrity in LeadershipSamuel's life exemplifies integrity. As leaders, we should strive to live in such a way that others can testify to our honesty and faithfulness. God as WitnessRecognize that God is always a witness to our actions. This awareness should guide us to live righteously and with accountability. Transition and TrustThe transition from judges to monarchy was significant for Israel. Trusting God during times of change is crucial, as He remains constant and faithful. Acknowledging God's FaithfulnessJust as the Israelites acknowledged Samuel's integrity, we should regularly acknowledge and testify to God's faithfulness in our lives. Role of Anointed LeadersRespect and pray for those whom God has placed in leadership, recognizing their role as His anointed. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samuel's integrity as a leader challenge us in our personal and professional lives today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that God is a witness to our actions, and how does this awareness affect our daily decisions? 3. How can we trust God during significant transitions in our lives, and what biblical examples can we draw from? 4. What are some practical ways we can acknowledge and testify to God's faithfulness in our communities? 5. How can we support and pray for our leaders, recognizing their role as God's anointed in our context? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 19:15This verse discusses the importance of witnesses in establishing a matter, which relates to the role of God and His anointed as witnesses in 1 Samuel 12:5. Psalm 89:20This verse speaks of God's anointed, connecting to the role of Saul as the anointed king and witness in this passage. Acts 13:20-21This passage recounts the history of Israel, including the period of judges and the anointing of Saul, providing context for Samuel's leadership and the transition to monarchy. People Aaron, Ammonites, Barak, Bedan, Egyptians, Jabin, Jacob, Jephthah, Jerubbaal, Nahash, Samuel, SiseraPlaces Egypt, Gilgal, Hazor, MoabTopics Anointed, Anything, Aught, Holy, Nothing, Oil, Ought, Witness, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 12:3-5 5555 stealing
8275 honesty Library Old Truth for a New Epoch
'Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over yon. 14. If ye will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall both ye, and also the king that reigneth over you, continue following the Lord your God: 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord; then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Old Judge and the Young King
'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
? Perseverance of the Saints--"The Final Perseverance of Believers in Christ Jesus," by William O'Neill (message 5). The Rev. C. H. SPURGEON took the chair at 3 o'clock. The proceedings were commenced by singing the 21st Hymn-- Saved from the damning power of sin, The law's tremendous curse, We'll now the sacred song begin Where God began with us. We'll sing the vast unmeasured grace Which, from the days of old, Did all his chosen sons embrace, As sheep within the fold. The basis of eternal love …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861 Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
"Thou restrainest prayer before God."--JOB xv. 4. "What profit should we have, if we pray unto Him?"--JOB xxi. 15. "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."--1 SAM. xii. 23. "Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you."--JOSH. vii. 12. Any deep quickening of the spiritual life of the Church will always be accompanied by a deeper sense of sin. This will not begin with theology; that can only give expression to what God works …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 12:5 NIV1 Samuel 12:5 NLT1 Samuel 12:5 ESV1 Samuel 12:5 NASB1 Samuel 12:5 KJV
1 Samuel 12:5 Commentaries
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