1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 12:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For what reason did the prophet, upon assembling the people, call to their attention his own governance? As a judge, the prophet was relinquishing his power and transferring it to the king.

Similarly, Samuel, who served as a judge for many years and governed Israel without seeking personal glory, concluded his service with purification. In a parallel manner, the Apostle Paul, expressing his integrity, stated to the Corinthians: "For we do not corrupt the word of God, as many do, but preach sincerely, as of God, before God, in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:17). He further asserted: "We have offended no one, harmed no one, sought profit from no one" (2 Cor. 7:2).