1Sa 12:1-5 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Sam 12:1-25: 12:1-25 The reaffirmation of Saul’s kingship at Gilgal (11:12-15 ) was the final step in his installation as king. The event was a fitting occasion for Samuel’s farewell address as leader of Israel.

a12:1-25►

b11:12-15►

c12:3►

d9:16►

eNum 16:15►

f1 Sam 8:11-16►

g8:3►

h12:5►

i1 Cor 9:1-14►

j2 Cor 7:2►

k11:7-9►

l1 Thes 2:1-12►

‏ 1 Samuel 12:1-5

Summary for 1Sam 12:1-25: 12:1-25 ^a The reaffirmation of Saul’s kingship at Gilgal (11:12-15 ^b) was the final step in his installation as king. The event was a fitting occasion for Samuel’s farewell address as leader of Israel.
12:3 ^c God’s anointed one was Saul (see 9:16 ^d).

• Whose ox or donkey: Cp. Num 16:15 ^e.

• have I stolen? In contrast to the behavior of kings (1 Sam 8:11-16 ^f).

• Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? No, but Samuel’s sons did (8:3 ^g).
12:5 ^h my hands are clean: Samuel’s life and leadership before Israel had been above reproach (cp. 1 Cor 9:1-14 ⁱ; 2 Cor 7:2 ^j; 11:7-9 ^k; 1 Thes 2:1-12 ^l). Saul, David, and Solomon—kings rather than prophetic judges—would not be able to make this claim.