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Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? 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Testify against me in the presence of the LORD and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Now testify against me in the presence of the LORD and before his anointed one. Whose ox or donkey have I stolen? Have I ever cheated any of you? Have I ever oppressed you? Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I exploited? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to close my eyes with it? I will return it to you.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Here I am; bear witness against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Here I am; bear witness against me before the LORD and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Here I am; bear witness against me before Yahweh and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and [Saul] His anointed [if I have done someone wrong]. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I exploited? Whom have I oppressed or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes [to the truth]? [Tell me and] I will restore it to you.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Here I am. Bring charges against me before the LORD and his anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Who have I wronged or mistreated? Who gave me a bribe to overlook something? I will return it to you.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Here I am. Bring charges against me before the LORD and His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I wronged or mistreated? From whose hand have I taken a bribe to overlook something? I will return it to you.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Here I am: witness against me before Jehovah, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I taken a ransom to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Let me ask this. Have I ever taken anyone's ox or donkey or forced you to give me anything? Have I ever hurt anyone or taken a bribe to give an unfair decision? Answer me so the LORD and his chosen king can hear you. And if I have done any of these things, I will give it all back. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I taken a ransom to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Here I am. Testify against me in front of the LORD and in front of his anointed king. Did I take anyone's ox? Did I take anyone's donkey? Did I cheat or oppress anyone? Did I take a bribe from anyone to look the other way? [If so,] I will give it all back." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Here I am. If I have done anything wrong, accuse me now in the presence of the LORD and the king he has chosen. Have I taken anybody's cow or anybody's donkey? Have I cheated or oppressed anyone? Have I accepted a bribe from anyone? If I have done any of these things, I will pay back what I have taken." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Here I am. Testify against me in the LORD's presence and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken? Who have I cheated? Who have I oppressed? Who bribed me to look the other way? I'll restore it to you." <a href="/net/1_samuel/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Here I am. Bring a charge against me before the LORD and before his chosen king. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I wronged? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I taken a bribe so that I would overlook something? Tell me, and I will return it to you!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Here I am. Testify against me before the LORD, and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe, or a shoe? Testify against me, and I will restore it to you." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed; whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or from whose hand have I received any bribe to blind my eyes with it? and I will restore it you.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_samuel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” <a href="/web/1_samuel/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Here I am. Witness against me before Yahweh and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Of whose hand have I taken a bribe to make me blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Behold, here I [am]; testify against me before YHWH, and before His anointed; whose ox have I taken, and whose donkey have I taken, and whom have I oppressed; whom have I bruised, and of whose hand have I taken a ransom, and hide my eyes with it? And I restore [it] to you.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Lo, here am I; testify against me, over-against Jehovah, and over-against His anointed; whose ox have I taken, and whose ass have I taken, and whom have I oppressed; whom have I bruised, and of whose hand have I taken a ransom, and hide mine eyes with it? -- and I restore to you.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold me: answer against me before Jehovah and before his Messiah, whose ox did I take? or whose ass did I take? and whom did I oppress? whom did I vex? and from whose hand did I take a ransom and hidden mine eyes with it? and I will turn back to you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Speak of me before the Lord, and before his anointed, whether I have taken any man's ox, or ass: If I have wronged any man, if I have oppressed any man, if I have taken a bribe at any man's hand: and I will despise it this day, and will restore it to you. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Speak about me before the Lord, and before his Christ, as to whether I have taken anyone’s ox or donkey, or whether I have falsely accused anyone, or whether I have oppressed anyone, or whether I have accepted a bribe from the hand of anyone, and I will repudiate the same, this day, and I will restore it to you.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Here I stand! Answer me in the presence of the LORD and the LORD’s anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I wronged? From whom have I accepted a bribe and shut my eyes because of it? I will make restitution to you.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, I am standing before you; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed; whose ox have I taken? Or whose ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Or whom have I oppressed? Or of whose hand have I taken a bribe to look upon him with favor? Tell me, and I will restore it to you. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Behold, I am standing before you. Testify to me before LORD JEHOVAH and before his Anointed, whose ox have I taken or whose male donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded or whom have I afflicted, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe, and my eye has gazed at it? Tell me and I shall pay you!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Here I am; witness against me before the LORD, and before His anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? or whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I taken a ransom to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Behold, here am I, answer against me before the Lord and before his anointed: whose calf have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom of you have I oppressed? or from whose hand have I taken a bribe, even to a sandal? bear witness against me, and I will make restitution to you. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/12-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2842" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/12.htm">Samuel's Farewell Address</a> …2Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. 3<a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hin·nî (Interjection:: 1cs) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">Here I am.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ă·nū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To answer, respond.">Bear witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">against me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: wə·ne·ḡeḏ (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">and before</a> <a href="/hebrew/4899.htm" title="4899: mə·šî·ḥōw (Adj-msc:: 3ms) -- Anointed. From mashach; anointed; usually a consecrated person; specifically, the Messiah.">His anointed:</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">Whose</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: šō·wr (N-msc) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">ox</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: wa·ḥă·mō·wr (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">or donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">have I taken?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">Whom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6231.htm" title="6231: ‘ā·šaq·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To oppress, wrong, extort. A primitive root; to press upon, i.e. Oppress, defraud, violate, overflow.">have I cheated</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7533.htm" title="7533: raṣ·ṣō·w·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To crush. A primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively.">or oppressed?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">From whose</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ū·mî·yaḏ- (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">have I accepted</a> <a href="/hebrew/3724.htm" title="3724: ḵō·p̄er (N-ms) -- From kaphar; properly, a cover, i.e. a village; bitumen, and the henna plant; figuratively, a redemption-price.">a bribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/5956.htm" title="5956: wə·’a‘·lîm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-1cs) -- To conceal. A primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. Conceal.">and closed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nay (N-cdc:: 1cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">my eyes?</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·’ā·šîḇ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">Tell me, and I will restore it</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">to you.”</a> 4“You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</a> I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Numbers 16:15</a> Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.” <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3</a> But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. <a href="/1_kings/12-3.htm">1 Kings 12:3-4</a> So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, / “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">2 Corinthians 7:2</a> Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a> Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a> Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. <a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">1 Samuel 10:1</a> Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance? <a href="/1_samuel/10-24.htm">1 Samuel 10:24</a> Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” <a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5</a> “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a> He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ... <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a> But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” <a href="/1_samuel/11-14.htm">1 Samuel 11:14-15</a> Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.” / So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. <a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">1 Samuel 12:4-5</a> “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / 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. <a href="/1_samuel/12-13.htm">1 Samuel 12:13</a> Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind my eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.his anointed<a href="/1_samuel/12-5.htm">1 Samuel 12:5</a> 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.<a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">1 Samuel 10:1</a> Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?<a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.whose ox<a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Numbers 16:15</a> And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.<a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33</a> I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">2 Corinthians 12:14</a> Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.bribe [heb] ransom <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a> And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.<a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a> Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.I will<a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4</a> If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.<a href="/leviticus/6-4.htm">Leviticus 6:4</a> Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,<a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a> And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/judges/19-28.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/ruth/1-12.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-4.htm">Defrauded</a> <a href="/judges/19-28.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-2.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-18.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-25.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-18.htm">Ransom</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-4.htm">Received</a> <a href="/judges/17-3.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-14.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/ruth/1-21.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/12-5.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-25.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-6.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-8.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">Defrauded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-16.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-34.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/job/5-20.htm">Ransom</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-35.htm">Received</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-3.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-51.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-5.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 12</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/12-1.htm">Samuel testifies his integrity</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">He reproves the people of ingratitude</a> 16. <a href="/1_samuel/12-16.htm">He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time</a> 20. <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">he comforts them in God's mercy</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Samuel presents himself openly and transparently before the people of Israel. This phrase signifies readiness and accountability, echoing the posture of a servant before God, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a>. It reflects a leader's willingness to be scrutinized and judged by the community he serves.Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Samuel calls upon the people to testify against him if he has wronged them, doing so in the presence of God and the king, Saul, whom God has anointed. This highlights the seriousness of the occasion, as both divine and royal authority are invoked. The term "anointed" connects to the Hebrew word "Messiah," foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ.Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Samuel asks if he has unlawfully taken property, specifically livestock, which were valuable assets in ancient Israelite society. This question underscores the importance of integrity and justice in leadership, as seen in the laws of restitution in <a href="/exodus/22.htm">Exodus 22:1-4</a>.Whom have I cheated or oppressed? Samuel seeks to affirm his just treatment of the people, aligning with the biblical mandate against oppression found in <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a>. This reflects God's concern for justice and fairness, themes prevalent throughout the Old Testament.From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Bribery is condemned in the Mosaic Law (<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>), as it perverts justice. Samuel's question emphasizes his commitment to impartiality and righteousness, qualities expected of leaders. This also prefigures the perfect justice of Christ, who judges without partiality.Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” Samuel offers restitution, demonstrating repentance and the desire to make amends, in line with the biblical principle of restitution (<a href="/numbers/5-6.htm">Numbers 5:6-7</a>). This reflects the heart of a true servant leader, willing to correct wrongs, and points to the restorative work of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, Samuel is addressing the Israelites, affirming his integrity as he transitions leadership to King Saul. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant God of Israel, who is the ultimate judge and witness to Samuel's integrity. 3. <a href="/topical/h/his_anointed.htm">His Anointed</a> Refers to King Saul, who was anointed by Samuel as the first king of Israel, representing God's chosen leader for the people. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, who are being addressed by Samuel. They are witnesses to Samuel's leadership and are called to testify if he has wronged them. 5. <a href="/topical/o/ox_and_donkey.htm">Ox and Donkey</a> Symbols of wealth and livelihood in ancient Israel, representing the possessions that could be wrongfully taken or coveted.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a> Samuel exemplifies the importance of integrity for those in leadership. Leaders should be able to stand before others and God with a clear conscience, as Samuel did. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_before_god_and_man.htm">Accountability Before God and Man</a> Samuel's willingness to be held accountable before God and the people is a model for all believers. We should live transparently, ready to make amends if we have wronged others. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_clear_conscience.htm">The Importance of a Clear Conscience</a> Maintaining a clear conscience is vital for spiritual health and effective ministry. Like Samuel, we should strive to live in such a way that no one can bring a legitimate charge against us. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restitution.htm">Repentance and Restitution</a> Samuel's readiness to make things right if he has wronged anyone teaches us the importance of repentance and restitution in our relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 12</a> <a href="/q/how_did_samuel_lead_and_anoint_kings.htm">How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_proof_leaders_lived_austerely.htm">Nehemiah 5:14-15 depicts Nehemiah refusing the governor’s allowance yet sustaining a large household; is there any historical proof that a leader could live so austerely?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_sneak_into_saul's_camp.htm">How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)</a> <a href="/q/does_david_calling_messiah_'lord'_contradict.htm">Mark 12:35-37: How can David refer to the Messiah as 'Lord' if the Messiah is supposedly his descendant, and does this contradict genealogies in other biblical texts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed.--I speak in a solemn presence, "before the Eternal," went on the old man, looking up heavenward, "and before His anointed," pointing with a reverent gesture to the kingly form by his side. "His Anointed"--this is the earliest instance of a king bearing this title of honour. The high priest, whose blessed office brought him in such close contact with the invisible and eternal King, is in the early Hebrew story styled now and again by this honoured name. But henceforth it seems to be limited to the man invested with the kingly dignity. The infinite charm which the name "Anointed of the Eternal" carried with it for centuries is, no doubt, due to the fact that one greater than any of the sons of men would, in the far future, assume the same sacred designation--"His Anointed," or "His Christ." (The words are synonymous, both being translations of the Hebrew word Messiah.)Nor has this peculiar reverence for the "Lord's Anointed "been limited to His own people. Since the seer in the early morning on the hill-side, looking on "Ramah of the Watchers," poured out the holy oil on the young Saul's head, and then before all Israel gathered at Gilgal styled the new king by the title of the "Anointed of the Eternal," wherever the one true God has been worshipped, an infinite charm has gone with the name, a strange and peculiar reverence has surrounded every one who could fairly claim to bear it, and for many a century, among all peoples, an awful curse has at once attached itself to any one who would dare lift his hand against the "Lord's Anointed."Whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken?--The ox and the ass are taken as representative possessions in this primitive age, in a country where agriculture formed the principal source of the national resources. Before the wars and conquests of David and Solomon, there was comparatively little of the precious metals among the Hebrew people, who seem to have traded in those early days but rarely with foreign nations; horses were, too, unknown among them. The law of <a href="/exodus/20-17.htm" title="You shall not covet your neighbor's house, you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is your neighbor's.">Exodus 20:17</a> especially makes mention of the ox and the ass as things the Israelite was forbidden to covet. On these words of Samuel the Babylonian Talmud has an important note, which well illustrates the doctrine of the "Holy Spirit" as taught in Israel before the Christian era."Rabbi Elazer said, on three occasions did the Holy Spirit manifest Himself in a peculiar manner--in the judicial tribunal instituted by Shem, in that of Samuel the Ramathite, and in that of Solomon. In that of Shem, Judah declared, "She is righteous," &c. How could he know it? Might not another man have come to her as well as he did? But an echo of a voice was heard exclaiming: Of me (the word ???? is separated from the preceding word, and taken as a distinct utterance of the Holy Spirit); these things were overruled by me. Samuel said (<a href="/context/1_samuel/12-3.htm" title="Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind my eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.">1Samuel 12:3-5</a>), "Behold, here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? . . . And he said unto them, The Lord is witness against you, &c . . . And he said, He is witness" (?????). It ought to read, "And they said." But it was the Holy Spirit that gave that answer. So with Solomon the words "She is the mother thereof (<a href="/1_kings/3-27.htm" title="Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.">1Kings 3:27</a>) were spoken by the Holy Spirit."--Treatise Maccoth, fol. 23, Colossians 2.Whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed?--Alluding, of course, to his conduct during his long continuance in office as supreme judge in Israel. The "bribe"--literally, ransom--alludes to that practice unhappily so common in the East of giving the judge a gift (usually of money) to buy his favour, and thus a criminal who had means was too often able to escape punishment.The sons of Samuel, we know from <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm" title="And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.">1Samuel 8:3</a>, "took bribes, and perverted judgment." This accusation, we know, had been preferred by the very elders of the nation before whom the seer was then speaking. The old judge must have been very confident of his own spotless integrity to venture upon such a solemn challenge. The elders had shown themselves by their bold accusation of the seer's sons no respecters of persons, and from the tone of Samuel's address, must have felt his words were but the prelude of some scathing reproaches they would have to listen to, and yet they were constrained with one voice to bear their witness to the perfect truth of his assertion that his long official life had been indeed pure and spotless. The Talmud has a curious tradition respecting the prophets, based apparently upon this saying of Samuel. "All the prophets were rich men. This we infer from the account of Moses, Samuel, Amos, and Jonah. Of Moses, as it is written (<a href="/numbers/16-15.htm" title="And Moses was very wroth, and said to the LORD, Respect not you their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.">Numbers 16:15</a>), 'I have not taken one ass from them.' Of Samuel, as it is written (<a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm" title="Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind my eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.">1Samuel 12:3</a>), 'Behold, here I am; witness against me before the Lord, and before His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken?' Of Amos, as it is written (<a href="/amos/7-14.htm" title="Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:">Amos 7:14</a>), 'I was an herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit,' i.e., I am proprietor of my herds and own sycamores in the valley. Of Jonah, as it is written (<a href="/jonah/1-3.htm" title="But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.">Jonah 1:3</a>), 'So he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it.' Rabbi Yochanan says he hired the whole ship. Rabbi Rumanus says the hire of the ship amounted to four thousand golden denarii."--Treatise Nedarim, fol. 38, Colossians 1. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 3, 4, 5. - Witness against me. Literally, "answer," as in a court of justice to the formal question of the judge. His anointed. I.e. the king (see on 1 Samuel 2:10, 35; 2:1). Whose ox,... whose ass? See on 1 Samuel 8:16. Of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? Bribe should be rendered ransom. Literally it signifies a covering, and was used of money given by a guilty person to induce the judge to close or "blind his eyes," and not see his sin. It does not mean, therefore, any bribe, but only that given to buy off a guilty person. Such persons are generally powerful men who have oppressed and wronged others; and the knowledge that they can cover their offence by sharing their gains with the judge is to this day in the East the most fruitful source of bad government. The people all bear witness to Samuel's uprightness, nor is there any contradiction between this and their desire to have a king. His internal administration was just and righteous, but they were oppressed by the nations round them, and needed a leader in war. And in Samuel's sons they had men, not vicious or licentious, but too fond of money, and so neither fit to be their generals in war nor their judges in peace. We gather from <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">1 Samuel 22:2</a> that though Saul proved a competent leader in war, he was not successful in the government of the country in peace. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/12-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Here I am. הִנְנִ֣י (hin·nî) Interjection | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> Lo! behold! Bear witness עֲנ֣וּ (‘ă·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond against me בִי֩ (ḇî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> before נֶ֨גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and before וְנֶ֣גֶד (wə·ne·ḡeḏ) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before His anointed: מְשִׁיח֗וֹ (mə·šî·ḥōw) Adjective - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4899.htm">Strong's 4899: </a> Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah Whose מִ֨י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix ox שׁוֹר֩ ׀ (šō·wr) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) or donkey וַחֲמ֧וֹר (wa·ḥă·mō·wr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass have I taken? לָקַ֜חְתִּי (lā·qaḥ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take Whom מִ֣י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix have I wronged עָשַׁ֙קְתִּי֙ (‘ā·šaq·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6231.htm">Strong's 6231: </a> To press upon, oppress, defraud, violate, overflow or oppressed? רַצּ֔וֹתִי (raṣ·ṣō·w·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7533.htm">Strong's 7533: </a> To crack in pieces From whose מִ֤י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix hand וּמִיַּד־ (ū·mî·yaḏ-) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand have I accepted לָקַ֗חְתִּי (lā·qaḥ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take a bribe כֹ֔פֶר (ḵō·p̄er) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3724.htm">Strong's 3724: </a> A cover, a village, bitumen, the henna plant, a redemption-price and closed וְאַעְלִ֥ים (wə·’a‘·lîm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5956.htm">Strong's 5956: </a> To veil from sight, conceal my eyes? עֵינַ֖י (‘ê·nay) Noun - cdc | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain Tell me, בּ֑וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and I will restore [it] וְאָשִׁ֖יב (wə·’ā·šîḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to you. לָכֶֽם׃ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am: witness against me before (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/12-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 12:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 12:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>