Samuel’s Farewell Address in 1 Samuel 12:1-5 As a Resource for Integrity in Leadership

Abstract

Integrity has been cited as a major ethical behaviour required in every context of leadership. It also has been observed to be of intrinsic value. Leaders appear deficient in integrity as corruption cases against them appear to be on the rise. As such, integrity in leadership looks unattainable. Studies have shown the necessity of integrity in leadership at all levels of society. However, little attention has been paid to Prophet Samuel being a resource for integrity in leadership. This paper examines Prophet Samuel’s farewell speech in 1 Samuel 12:1-5, intending to show the resourcefulness of his life for integrity in leadership. The study uses the documentation method of data gathering. Primary data was sourced from the Bible, and secondary data was from published works on integrity and leadership, while collected data is textually analysed. In the position of Samuel as the political and religious leader of Israel, he epitomised integrity. This was affirmed by the Israelites. Though not flawless, Samuel’s role as a political and religious leader was characterised by integrity. Integrity in any leadership position is attainable. Samuel esteemed highly the word of God as a mark of his reverence to God in all he did and said. Political and religious leaders today can become better in integrity by following Samuel’s example.