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.
6 Samuel continued, “The Lord is the one who chose Moses and Aaron and who brought your ancestors out of Egypt.
7 Now stand where you are, and I will accuse you before the Lord by reminding you of all the mighty actions the Lord did to save you and your ancestors.