1 Samuel 12:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, The LORD {H3068} is witness {H5707} against you, and his anointed {H4899} is witness {H5707} this day {H3117}, that ye have not found {H4672} ought {H3972} in my hand {H3027}. And they answered {H559}, He is witness {H5707}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "ADONAI is witness against you, and his anointed king is witness against you today, that you have found nothing in my hands?" They replied, "He is witness."

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Jehovah is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found aught in my hand. And they said, He is witness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 12:5, the revered prophet Samuel concludes his distinguished service as Israel's judge by publicly affirming his blameless integrity before the assembled nation and the newly crowned King Saul. He challenges the people to identify any instance of corruption, injustice, or personal gain during his leadership, a bold invitation to scrutiny that powerfully underscores his pure motives and selfless dedication. The people's unanimous and immediate affirmation serves as a profound vindication of his righteous conduct, solidifying his legacy as an incorruptible servant of God and his nation at a pivotal moment of transition to monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Samuel's poignant farewell address, delivered at Gilgal, a historically significant site for Israel's covenant renewal and national identity. The speech, encompassing [1 Samuel 12](/1_samuel/12 "1 Samuel 12 - Samuel's Farewell Address"), immediately follows the public confirmation of Saul as Israel's first king, marking a monumental shift from the era of judges to the monarchy. Samuel's direct challenge in verse 3, "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? Tell me and I will restore it to you," meticulously sets the stage for the people's resounding affirmation in verse 5. His subsequent discourse, found in [1 Samuel 12:6-18](/1_samuel/12-6 "1 Samuel 12:6-18 - Israel's History of Disobedience"), then transitions to a powerful recounting of God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel despite their cyclical disobedience, culminating in a solemn warning against future rebellion under the new king. Therefore, 1 Samuel 12:5 functions as the moral bedrock upon which Samuel builds his final, authoritative prophetic admonition to a nation embarking on a new political chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The transition from a charismatic, divinely appointed judge (like Samuel) to a hereditary monarchy represented a profound societal and theological paradigm shift for ancient Israel. For centuries, Yahweh had been their direct King, with judges serving as His appointed, temporary deliverers in times of crisis. However, driven by a desire to "be like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")) and a dissatisfaction with Samuel's corrupt sons, the people had rejected God's direct rule and demanded a human king. Samuel's address, therefore, takes place at a critical juncture, navigating the inherent tension between divine sovereignty and human desire for a more conventional political structure. In the ancient Near East, leaders were frequently susceptible to corruption, often exploiting their positions for personal enrichment and power. Samuel's public challenge for the people to find fault "in my hand" (a powerful metonymy for his actions and administration) served as a stark contrast to such prevalent practices and, notably, to the corrupt behavior of his own sons, Joel and Abijah, who "turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice" ([1 Samuel 8:3](/1_samuel/8-3 "1 Samuel 8:3 - Samuel's Sons' Corruption")). His demonstrated blamelessness was paramount to maintaining his prophetic authority and legitimizing the weighty message he was about to deliver to the nascent monarchy and the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Samuel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Samuel's Unblemished Integrity and Righteous Leadership**. His bold challenge, "ye have not found ought in my hand," serves as a profound testament to his incorruptibility and selfless dedication to God and the nation, establishing an enduring standard for all future leaders, both spiritual and temporal. Secondly, the theme of **Divine and Human Witness** is prominently featured. By invoking "The LORD" and "his anointed" (King Saul) as co-witnesses, Samuel elevates the gravity of his declaration, placing his conduct under the highest possible scrutiny—before God, the ultimate and omniscient Judge, and before the new earthly authority. This dual witness underscores the public, sacred, and undeniable nature of his vindication. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Accountability and Public Vindication**. Samuel willingly subjects himself to open public examination, and the people's immediate and unanimous affirmation, "[He is] witness," serves as a crucial moment of public acknowledgment and validation of his faithful stewardship, solidifying his legacy as a devoted and incorruptible servant of God. This act of transparent public accountability reinforces the timeless biblical principle that leadership, particularly spiritual leadership, must be transparent, beyond reproach, and ultimately lived before the eyes of God and man.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witness (Hebrew, _ʿêḏ'_):** This term carries significant legal and covenantal weight, referring to someone who testifies to the truth of a matter or confirms a fact. In a legal context, a witness's testimony establishes guilt or innocence. By calling both Yahweh and Saul as "witnesses," Samuel places his integrity under the most solemn and undeniable scrutiny, transforming his farewell into a public trial where his blamelessness is objectively verified by the highest authorities.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _māšîyach'_):** Here, "his anointed" specifically refers to King Saul, whom Samuel himself had anointed with oil as a sign of his divine appointment and inauguration into office ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")). The term signifies someone set apart by God for a special office, imbued with divine authority. While the same root gives us "Messiah," here it denotes the earthly king, making Saul a crucial, divinely sanctioned human witness to Samuel's character and the legitimacy of his public declaration.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** In this context, "in my hand" is a powerful metonymy for Samuel's actions, administration, and overall conduct as judge and leader. To "find ought in my hand" would mean to find evidence of corruption, injustice, bribery, or personal gain. Samuel's assertion that nothing was found in his hand is a profound declaration of his ethical purity, administrative integrity, and selfless service throughout his long tenure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, The LORD [is] witness against you":** Samuel initiates his solemn declaration by invoking Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel, as the primary and ultimate witness. This immediately elevates the declaration from a mere human claim to a divine oath, underscoring the sacred gravity of the moment. God's omniscience means He sees all actions and motives, making His testimony unimpeachable. The phrase "against you" implies that God's witness would be against the people if they were to falsely accuse Samuel, or if they were to deny the truth of his blamelessness.
* **"and his anointed [is] witness this day":** Samuel strategically adds a second, human witness: King Saul. This is profoundly significant because Saul is the new earthly authority, appointed by God through Samuel. By including Saul, Samuel ensures that his vindication is not only divine but also publicly acknowledged and affirmed by the new governmental head, thereby binding both spiritual and temporal authorities to the truth of his claim. "This day" emphasizes the immediate, public, and undeniable nature of this solemn declaration, marking it as a historical event.
* **"that ye have not found ought in my hand":** This clause forms the very core of Samuel's challenge and assertion. He declares with unwavering confidence that throughout his long and impactful tenure as judge, the people have found no evidence whatsoever of wrongdoing, corruption, self-enrichment, or any form of injustice in his administration. This statement serves as a direct and definitive answer to the rhetorical questions Samuel had posed in [1 Samuel 12:3](/1_samuel/12-3 "1 Samuel 12:3 - Samuel's Challenge to Israel"), where he inquired if he had taken anything or defrauded anyone. It is a powerful public affirmation of his blameless integrity.
* **"And they answered, [He is] witness.":** The people's unanimous, immediate, and concise response serves as the definitive confirmation of Samuel's claim. Their collective affirmation, echoing Samuel's own words, publicly vindicates him, acknowledging that he had indeed served them with unwavering integrity and without blemish. This collective testimony not only validates Samuel's legacy but also provides a powerful and conclusive end to his public self-defense, solidifying his moral authority as he delivers his final prophetic message.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey Samuel's integrity, the solemnity of the moment, and the weight of his farewell address. **Rhetorical Question** is foundational, as Samuel's preceding challenge in [1 Samuel 12:3](/1_samuel/12-3 "1 Samuel 12:3 - Samuel's Challenge") functions as a series of questions meticulously designed to elicit the very affirmation given by the people in verse 5. The pervasive use of **Legal Language** is evident throughout, with terms like "witness" (Hebrew: _ʿēḏ_) carrying strong courtroom connotations, framing Samuel's address as a solemn legal proceeding where he presents his case and receives a public verdict of innocence. The striking **Parallelism** between "The LORD is witness" and "his anointed is witness" profoundly emphasizes the dual, undeniable nature of the testimony, elevating the human witness (Saul) by associating him with the divine, thereby reinforcing the absolute truth of Samuel's claim. Finally, **Metonymy** is powerfully employed in the phrase "in my hand," where "hand" represents Samuel's actions, authority, and entire administration, serving as a concise yet comprehensive symbol for his blameless public service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Samuel's public vindication in [1 Samuel 12:5](/1_samuel/12-5 "1 Samuel 12:5 - Samuel's Vindication") resonates deeply with enduring biblical themes of righteous leadership, divine justice, and the paramount importance of integrity before both God and humanity. His blameless conduct stands as a powerful testament to the ideal of a leader who serves not for personal gain or self-aggrandizement, but solely for the welfare of the people and the glory of God. This pivotal moment underscores the timeless truth that genuine authority, whether spiritual or temporal, is ultimately rooted in character, accountability, and faithful stewardship. It also highlights the profound theological principle that God is the ultimate witness and judge of all human actions, and that true vindication ultimately comes from Him, often confirmed through the public acknowledgment of His people. Samuel's exemplary life sets an exceptionally high standard for all who would lead, reminding them that their lives and ministries are lived under the constant scrutiny of both God and man, and that a clear conscience is a priceless treasure.

* [Numbers 16:15](/numbers/16-15 "Moses' Blamelessness")
* [Acts 20:33-35](/acts/20-33-35 "Acts 20:33-35 - Paul's Example of Selfless Service")
* [2 Corinthians 1:12](/2_corinthians/1-12 "2 Corinthians 1:12 - Paul's Conscience and Integrity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samuel's unwavering integrity, so powerfully affirmed in [1 Samuel 12:5](/1_samuel/12-5 "1 Samuel 12:5 - Samuel's Integrity"), provides a timeless and challenging blueprint for ethical living and leadership in every generation. In a world frequently marred by corruption, self-interest, and a pervasive lack of accountability, Samuel's courageous willingness to invite public scrutiny of his entire career is profoundly convicting. It calls each of us, particularly those entrusted with any form of influence or authority, to rigorously examine our own lives and actions, asking whether our conduct could withstand such an open and honest examination. Living with this level of transparency demands a deep, unwavering commitment to righteousness, a clear conscience before God, and a genuine, selfless desire to serve others rather than oneself. This passage profoundly encourages us to cultivate a character marked by honesty, fairness, and dedicated service, knowing that ultimately, our lives are lived not just before human eyes, but before the ultimate and omniscient Witness, God Himself. It reminds us that true legacy is built not on fleeting power or material possessions, but on enduring integrity and faithful service that honors God and blesses others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Samuel's willingness to invite public scrutiny challenge my own commitment to integrity and transparency in my personal and professional life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my integrity for personal gain, convenience, or reputation, and what concrete steps can I take to resist such temptations?**
* **How does the profound knowledge that "The LORD is witness" to all my actions and motives influence my daily decisions and my pursuit of righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I implement to ensure that my leadership, whether within my family, workplace, community, or ministry, is consistently characterized by blamelessness, selfless service, and a clear conscience?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Samuel to be publicly vindicated at this moment?**

Answer: Samuel's public vindication at this critical juncture was of paramount importance for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, as he transitioned out of his active leadership role as judge, his demonstrated integrity provided a strong moral and spiritual foundation for his final, weighty prophetic warnings to the people. His blamelessness lent immense authority and credibility to his subsequent message about God's faithfulness and the severe consequences of disobedience under the new monarchy. Secondly, the corruption of his own sons, Joel and Abijah ([1 Samuel 8:3](/1_samuel/8-3 "1 Samuel 8:3 - Samuel's Sons' Corruption")), had been a significant factor in the people's demand for a king. Samuel needed to unequivocally distinguish his own righteous conduct from that of his sons, demonstrating that his personal integrity remained unblemished despite their failings. Finally, by being publicly vindicated, Samuel solidified his enduring legacy as a faithful prophet and incorruptible servant of God, ensuring that his past service and future counsel would continue to be respected by both the people and the new king. This public affirmation reinforced the divine mandate behind his entire ministry and prepared the nation to receive his final instructions with due reverence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 12:5, with its powerful portrayal of Samuel's blameless integrity and the people's affirming witness, profoundly foreshadows the perfect and ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ. Samuel, as a faithful prophet, judge, and intercessor, stands as a significant type of Christ, demonstrating a standard of righteousness and selfless service that only Jesus perfectly embodies. While Samuel could invite scrutiny and be found blameless by human and divine witness, his blamelessness was still that of a fallen man, albeit a righteous one. Jesus, however, is the only one who could truly declare, "Which of you convicts me of sin?" ([John 8:46](/john/8-46 "John 8:46 - Jesus' Sinlessness")) and be met with no legitimate accusation, for He is the Lamb of God "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Perfection")). His perfect life and sacrificial death fully satisfy the righteous demands of God's justice. While the "anointed one" in this verse refers to King Saul, the ultimate "Anointed One" (Messiah) is Jesus, who was anointed not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit and power for His redemptive mission ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit")). His witness is not merely to His own integrity, but to the truth of God's entire redemptive plan, culminating in His resurrection, which serves as the ultimate divine vindication of His Messiahship and Lordship ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, Samuel's righteous farewell points forward to the sinless life, redemptive work, and ultimate authority of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the perfect King and ultimate Judge, in whom no fault could ever be found.

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

Exodus 22:4

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

Acts 23:9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Acts 24:20

Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

2 Corinthians 1:12

¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

1 Corinthians 4:4

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

1 Samuel 26:9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

John 18:38

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].