Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 12:4
They said , Thou hast not defrauded - Of what minister or governor can any nation under heaven say such things? read more
1 Samuel 12:1-6 Niv
Adam Clarke
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:1
EXPOSITION SAMUEL 'S EXHORTATION TO THE PEOPLE AT GILGAL . This speech of Samuel is not to be regarded as a farewell address made upon his resignation of his office; for though a new power had been introduced, and Samuel's sons excluded from the succession, yet it was only gradually that a change was made in his own position. He was still judge ( 1 Samuel 7:15 ), and on extraordinary occasions came forward with decisive authority ( 1 Samuel 15:33 ). But as Saul... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:1-5
Character a power. The facts are— 1 . Samuel reminds the people that he (a) has carried out their wishes in setting a king over them, (b) is now a very old man, and (c) has spent the whole of his life among them. 2 . He appeals to God in asserting that the whole of his official life has been free from self-seeking. 3 . The people freely admit that his public conduct has been honest, considerate, and free from greed. The meaning of Samuel's reference to himself is to... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:2
The king walketh before you . I.e. you have now one to protect and lead the nation, whereas my business was to raise its religious and moral life. The metaphor is taken from the position of the shepherd in the East, where he goes before his flock to guide and guard them. On this account the word shepherd or pastor is used in the Bible of the temporal ruler ( Jeremiah 2:8 ; Jeremiah 23:4 , etc.), and not, as with us, of the spiritual guide. My sons are with you. This is no mere... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:3-5
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 , 1 Samuel 2:35 ; 1 Samuel 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... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:6
It is Jehovah that, etc. In the Hebrew Jehovah is put absolutely, without any government, and the Septuagint rightly supplies is witness. Samuel had said, "Jehovah is witness against you;" the people in answer shouted the last word, "Witness" (see end of 1 Samuel 12:5 , where He is is supplied). Then Samuel solemnly repeats Jehovah s name, saying, "Even Jehovah that advanced Moses and Aaron." This rapid interchange of words brings the whole scene vividly before us, whereas nothing... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 12:6-15
The immutable condition of well being. The facts are— 1 . Samuel, having shown his right to be heard, calls on the people to hearken to his argument. 2 . He refers to historic instances to show that trouble always came with unfaithfulness to God, and prosperity with a return to fidelity. 3 . He reminds them that their desire for a king implied distrust of God. 4 . Recognising the new order of things, he insists that the adversity or prosperity of the nation rested where it... read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 12:2
My sons are with you - Possibly, however, a tinge of mortified feeling at the rejection of himself and his family, mixed with a desire to recommend his sons to the favor and goodwill of the nation, is at the bottom of this mention of them. read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 12:3
His anointed - i. e., king Saul. The title Messiah, Χριστὸς Christos, unctus, or anointed, had been given to the High Priests (Leviticus 4:3 : compare also 1 Samuel 2:10, 1 Samuel 2:35); but this is the earliest instance of an actual king of Israel bearing the title of God’s Christ, and thus typifying the true Messiah or Christ of God.Any bribe - literally, a “ransom,” the fine paid by a criminal in lieu of bonds or death Exodus 21:30, applied to the bribe paid to an unjust judge to induce him... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 12:3
Witness against me - Did ever a minister of state, in any part of the world, resign his office with so much self-consciousness of integrity, backed with the universal approbation of the public? No man was oppressed under his government, no man defrauded! He had accumulated no riches for himself; he had procured none for his friends; nor had one needy dependant been provided for out of the public purse. He might have pardoned his own sons, who had acted improperly, before he quitted the... read more