1Sa 12:3 | MHM | STEP | v. 3 : Samuel asks the people to testify if he has ever wronged anyone, taken anyone’s ox or donkey, cheated, oppressed, or accepted bribes to judge unfairly. His purpose is to show that he has always acted honestly as their leader. He wants to prove that they have treated him unfairly by replacing him, even though he did nothing wrong. Samuel also wants to make sure his reputation is clear, so no one thinks he was removed for bad behavior. He hopes the new king will learn from his example. Samuel says it is important for a leader to be able to correct others only if he himself is innocent (1 Samuel 12:3; 1 Samuel 12:3 ).

‏ 1 Samuel 12:3

v. 3: Samuel asks the people to testify if he has ever wronged anyone, taken anyone’s ox or donkey, cheated, oppressed, or accepted bribes to judge unfairly. His purpose is to show that he has always acted honestly as their leader. He wants to prove that they have treated him unfairly by replacing him, even though he did nothing wrong. Samuel also wants to make sure his reputation is clear, so no one thinks he was removed for bad behavior. He hopes the new king will learn from his example. Samuel says it is important for a leader to be able to correct others only if he himself is innocent (1 Samuel 12:3; 1 Samuel 12:3 ^a).