Samuel's Speech

Then Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me and I have appointed a king over you. Now, here is the king walking before you, but I am old and gray, and behold my sons are with you. And I have walked before you from my youth even to this day. 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 have taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you.” They said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” He said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.” 1 Samuel 12:1-5

Samuel was a prophet who was called by God in 1 Samuel Chapter three. His mother was the godly woman named Hannah, and his father was the righteous man named Elkanah, 1 Samuel Chapter one.

God blessed Hannah to have Samuel and then she dedicated him to the LORD, 1 Samuel Chapter one verse 11. Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli when the word of the LORD was rare in those days. (Side Note: There was not always constant revelation from God. It was rare during this time).

Now, Samuel is old. The speech he gives to the people provides us with some insight into this man, leadership, and challenges what people may see in us. Let’s observe a few thoughts.

Samuel had listened to the voice of the people. He appointed a king over them. The LORD was their King and they should have been content with this. However, the Israelites looked around at the other nations and desired a king just like them.

Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations. But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD. The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.” 1 Samuel 8:5-6.

Samuel challenged the people to bear witness of him before the LORD. He gave them an open invitation to bring any charges against him. To do something like this is potentially inviting ridicule, shame, and embarrassment. Yet Samuel had nothing to hide. He was an open book and his reputation was good. What a great example for leaders. Samuel led with integrity. He was fair with how he interacted with others. If some kind of charge was brought against him, he was willing to restore whatever he may have done! There are thousands of books on leadership, but don’t forget godly examples like we have here with Samuel.

Samuel gave the people an opportunity to speak. There was nothing they could say. They had said some negative things about his sons back in 1 Samuel chapter 8 verse 3.

His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.

While his sons were not righteous, Samuel was. I can imagine how difficult that must have been for this prophet. Yet, his character remained intact. It’s a reminder that each of us will be judged individually with what we have done one day before God!

Samuel was willing to be accountable to the people. That’s what good leaders do! Leadership is influence. It’s not about having all the power, the position, or the pull. It’s about listening, leading, learning, and living the right way to help others. It’s difficult at times to be held accountable. Samuel was willing to do so. Are we?

What about us? Do we have the same integrity and leadership of Samuel? Are we willing to have our lives examined? Would people be able to bring some charges against us? Let us walk righteously each day.