Samuel calls on the Lord and King Saul (the Lord’s anointed) to be witnesses to his integrity.1 The fact that he calls on Saul suggests that his leadership was of a kind that the newly installed king should seek to emulate. A leadership that is fully consistent with the requirements of old covenant law.2
3 Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.”