1 Samuel 12:4

KJV

And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, Thou hast not defrauded {H6231} us, nor oppressed {H7533} us, neither hast thou taken {H3947} ought {H3972} of any man's {H376} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered, "You haven't defrauded or oppressed us, and you have accepted nothing from anyone."

Berean Standard Bible

“You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.”

American Standard Version

And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken aught of any man’s hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 12:4 captures the resounding affirmation of the Israelite people regarding Samuel's blameless and righteous leadership. In response to Samuel's challenge to testify against his conduct as judge, the people declare that he had neither defrauded nor oppressed them, nor had he taken any bribe. This public vindication underscores Samuel's unwavering integrity, setting a profound standard for leadership as Israel transitioned from the era of judges to a monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Samuel's poignant farewell address to the nation of Israel, delivered at Gilgal immediately following the anointing of Saul as their first king. Having served as prophet, priest, and judge for decades, Samuel is now relinquishing his direct leadership role. In [1 Samuel 12:1-3](/1_samuel/12-1 "1 Samuel 12:1-3 - Samuel's Challenge to Israel"), Samuel challenges the people to bear witness against him, inviting them to expose any wrongdoing during his tenure. Their unequivocal response in verse 4 serves as a powerful testament to his integrity, establishing a stark contrast between his righteous governance and the potential for corruption in the new monarchical system. This address serves as a covenant renewal ceremony, reminding Israel of God's faithfulness and their responsibility to obey Him, regardless of their chosen form of government.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the judges, which Samuel concludes, was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, often through charismatic leaders raised up by God. However, the sons of Samuel, unlike their father, had "turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment" ([1 Samuel 8:3](/1_samuel/8-3 "1 Samuel 8:3 - The Corruption of Samuel's Sons")). This corruption, alongside the desire to be "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")), prompted Israel's demand for a king. In the ancient Near East, leaders often exploited their positions for personal gain, through excessive taxation, forced labor, or judicial corruption. Samuel's public challenge and the people's response highlight a unique standard of accountability rooted in the Mosaic Law, which strictly prohibited such abuses of power, as seen in [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Prohibition Against Perverting Justice"). His blameless record thus stands as a powerful anomaly and a model for the nascent monarchy.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by this verse is **Integrity in Leadership**. Samuel's unblemished record underscores the biblical ideal of righteous governance, where authority is exercised for the welfare of the people and the glory of God, not for personal enrichment. This directly relates to the theme of **Accountability**, as Samuel willingly submits himself to public scrutiny, setting a precedent for leaders to be transparent and answerable to those they serve and, ultimately, to God. Furthermore, the specific denials of "defrauded," "oppressed," and "taken ought of any man's hand" highlight the theme of **Justice and Fairness**. Samuel's leadership embodied the principles of the covenant, ensuring equitable treatment and upholding the rights of the vulnerable, in stark contrast to the corrupt practices of his sons and the typical abuses of power prevalent in the ancient world. This integrity was crucial for Samuel's role as a mediator between God and Israel, as a leader's moral standing impacted their ability to lead the people in covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defrauded (Hebrew, _‘āšaq_):** This verb signifies "to oppress," "to exploit," or "to extort." It often implies wrongful gain achieved by taking advantage of the weaker party, particularly through economic means or by withholding what is due. In a judicial or administrative context, it refers to the abuse of power to unjustly seize property or wealth from others. The people's denial confirms Samuel never used his authority to unjustly enrich himself or deprive them of their possessions.
* **Oppressed (Hebrew, _gāzal_):** This word carries a stronger connotation of "to rob," "to plunder," or "to take by force or violence." While _‘āšaq_ might imply subtle exploitation, _gāzal_ suggests overt, aggressive seizure of property or rights. It speaks to a more direct act of injustice and violation. The people's statement affirms that Samuel did not resort to coercive or violent means to acquire anything from them, maintaining peace and order without tyranny.
* **Taken ought of any man's hand (Hebrew, _lāqaḥ šōḥaḏ_):** This phrase literally means "taken a bribe" or "received a gift." The term _šōḥaḏ_ specifically refers to a bribe, a payment or gift offered to influence a decision, particularly in legal or administrative matters, leading to perversion of justice. The denial here is crucial, as bribery was a widespread form of corruption in ancient legal systems. Samuel's refusal to accept bribes ensured that his judgments were impartial and his administration untainted by personal gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us":** This initial declaration by the people directly addresses Samuel's challenge in [1 Samuel 12:3](/1_samuel/12-3 "1 Samuel 12:3 - Samuel's Challenge to Israel"). It is a powerful affirmation that Samuel, despite holding immense power as judge, prophet, and spiritual leader, never abused his position to unjustly take from the people. He did not engage in economic exploitation or unfair taxation for personal benefit, upholding the principles of equity and fair dealing.
* **"nor oppressed us":** Following the denial of defrauding, this clause further clarifies the nature of Samuel's blamelessness. It asserts that he did not use his authority to violently seize property or rights, nor did he subject the people to tyrannical rule or forced labor. This speaks to his just and benevolent exercise of power, ensuring the people's security and freedom from arbitrary confiscation.
* **"neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand":** This final and comprehensive denial specifically targets the common practice of bribery. It confirms that Samuel's judgments were untainted by personal gain, and his decisions were based solely on justice and the Mosaic Law, not on illicit payments or gifts. This statement underscores his complete impartiality and integrity in all his dealings, reinforcing his reputation as a truly righteous leader.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is **Public Vindication**, where the people, as witnesses, unequivocally clear Samuel of any wrongdoing, lending immense weight to his blameless character. This is achieved through **Negative Affirmation**, where integrity is highlighted by explicitly denying potential accusations ("not defrauded," "nor oppressed," "neither hast thou taken"). This rhetorical strategy emphasizes the absence of corruption, making his purity of conduct more striking. The verse also functions as the climax to Samuel's **Rhetorical Challenge** (implied from [1 Samuel 12:3](/1_samuel/12-3 "1 Samuel 12:3 - Samuel's Challenge to Israel")), where he invites public testimony. The people's unanimous response serves as a powerful answer, validating his lifelong service. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between Samuel's righteous leadership and the corrupt practices of his own sons ([1 Samuel 8:3](/1_samuel/8-3 "1 Samuel 8:3 - The Corruption of Samuel's Sons")), as well as the potential for future kings to abuse their power, thereby setting a high, almost unattainable, standard for the new monarchy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Samuel's blameless record, as attested by the people in 1 Samuel 12:4, serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of righteous leadership under God. It reflects the divine standard for those in authority, emphasizing that true leadership is characterized by service, integrity, and justice, rather than self-enrichment or oppression. This aligns with God's own character as a righteous judge who does not pervert justice and is impartial. Samuel's conduct demonstrates what it means to lead a covenant people in a manner consistent with the Mosaic Law, which repeatedly warns against bribery and exploitation. His example stands as a prophetic indictment against all forms of corrupt leadership, whether ancient or modern, and underscores the spiritual principle that true authority is derived from faithfulness to God and selfless service to His people.

* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Prohibition Against Perverting Justice")
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - The Integrity of the Upright")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samuel's public vindication in 1 Samuel 12:4 offers a timeless and challenging model for integrity in all spheres of life, particularly for those entrusted with leadership. It calls us to examine our own conduct, whether in positions of formal authority within our families, workplaces, communities, or churches, or simply in our daily interactions. The standard is not merely the absence of overt wrongdoing, but a proactive commitment to justice, fairness, and selfless service. We are challenged to live with such transparency and blamelessness that, if asked, those we serve could genuinely affirm our integrity, free from any accusation of exploitation, oppression, or corruption. This pursuit of blamelessness is not for self-glory, but as a testimony to the God who calls us to reflect His character in all our dealings. It reminds us that our legacy is ultimately defined not by power or possessions, but by the integrity of our character and the purity of our service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, whether personal or professional, am I called to exercise leadership, and how does Samuel's example challenge my approach?**
* **If I were to invite those I lead or serve to testify about my conduct, what would they honestly say regarding my integrity, fairness, and freedom from self-interest?**
* **How does the principle of "not defrauding, oppressing, or taking bribes" translate into my daily interactions and financial dealings?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a greater degree of transparency and accountability in my own life and in the groups I am part of?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Samuel asking the people to testify about his conduct?**

Answer: Samuel's challenge in [1 Samuel 12:3](/1_samuel/12-3 "1 Samuel 12:3 - Samuel's Challenge to Israel") was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it served as a powerful act of **accountability**. As Israel transitioned from a divinely appointed judge to a human king, Samuel, a leader of immense spiritual and political authority, willingly subjected himself to public scrutiny. This demonstrated a profound commitment to transparency and set a high ethical standard for the new monarchy. Secondly, it was an act of **vindication**. By inviting the people to speak, Samuel ensured that his blameless record was publicly affirmed, silencing any potential future accusations and solidifying his legacy as a righteous servant of God. Thirdly, it served as a **covenant reminder**. By demonstrating his own faithfulness to the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against judicial corruption, Samuel implicitly reminded the people of their own covenant obligations and the standards God expected from their leaders and themselves. This public affirmation of his integrity lent moral weight to his subsequent exhortations regarding their future obedience to God under the new king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Samuel's integrity stands as an exemplary model of righteous leadership in the Old Testament, it ultimately points to the perfect, unblemished character of Jesus Christ. Samuel, a faithful servant, was a type of the true and ultimate Leader, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who truly defrauded no one, oppressed none, and took no bribe. Unlike earthly leaders, whose integrity, however commendable, remains imperfect, Jesus lived a life of absolute purity and selflessness. He did not come to be served, but [to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - Jesus Came to Serve"). He was the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, not for personal gain, but for the redemption of humanity. His entire ministry was characterized by justice, compassion, and truth, without any hint of corruption or exploitation. The people's affirmation of Samuel's blamelessness foreshadows the divine declaration of Christ's sinless perfection, for [He committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Life"). Thus, Samuel's exemplary conduct serves as a shadow, pointing forward to the flawless and eternally righteous leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, whose reign is marked by perfect justice and unwavering love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 6:4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Psalms 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Psalms 37:6

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

3 John 1:12

¶ Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true.