1. Then Samuel said to the people of Israel, “I have done what you asked me to do. I have given you a king to rule you,
2. and now you have him to lead you. As for me, I am old and grey, and my sons are with you. I have been your leader from my youth until now.
3. 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.”
4. The people answered, “No, you have not cheated us or oppressed us; you have not taken anything from anyone.”
5. Samuel replied, “The Lord and the king he has chosen are witnesses today that you have found me to be completely innocent.”“Yes, the Lord is our witness,” they answered.