I Shmuel 12: Reluctant Support

YINR 929: Tanach Yomi · Aug 5, 2026 · 3m

Shmuel will ultimately appoint two kings, but he is also one of the most vocal critics of having a king. Chapter 12 is Shmuel’s extended chastisement of the people for asking for a king. Shmuel makes a direct connection between the people’s rejection of him as their leader and the Korach rebellion in Numbers. Shmuel calls out to the people: “Here I am! Testify against me, in the presence of the LORD and in the presence of His anointed one: Whose ox have I taken, or whose ass have I taken? Whom have I defrauded or whom have I robbed? From whom have I taken a bribe to look the other way? I will…