1. Samuel said to all Israel: “I have done everything you wanted me to do. I have put a king over you.
2. Now you have a king to lead you. I am old and gray, but my sons are here with you. I have been your leader since I was young.
3. Here I am. If I have done anything wrong, you must tell these things to the Lord and his chosen king. Did I steal anyone’s ox or donkey? Did I hurt or cheat anyone? Did I ever take money, or even a pair of sandals, to do something wrong? If I did any of these things, I will make it right.”
4. The Israelites answered, “No, you never did anything bad to us. You never cheated us or took things from us.”
5. Samuel said to the Israelites, “The Lord and his chosen king are witnesses today. They heard what you said—that you found nothing wrong with me.” The people answered, “Yes, the Lord is witness!”
6. Then Samuel said to the people, “The Lord has seen what happened. He is the one who chose Moses and Aaron and brought your ancestors out of Egypt.