1 Samuel 8

1 Samuel 8:1

When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel.

1 Samuel 8:1 · BSB

am 2892 , bc 1112 , An , Ex , Is , 379

1 Samuel 8:2

The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.

1 Samuel 8:2 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:3

But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

1 Samuel 8:3 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:4

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.

1 Samuel 8:4 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:5

"Look," they said, "you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations."

1 Samuel 8:5 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:6

But when they said, "Give us a king to judge us," their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.

1 Samuel 8:6 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:7

And the LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.

1 Samuel 8:7 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:8

Just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.

1 Samuel 8:8 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:9

Now listen to them, but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”

1 Samuel 8:9 · BSB

hearken unto or , obey

1 Samuel 8:10

So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king.

1 Samuel 8:10 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:11

He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to his own chariots and horses, to run in front of his chariots.

1 Samuel 8:11 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:12

He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots.

1 Samuel 8:12 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:13

And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.

1 Samuel 8:13 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:14

He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his servants.

1 Samuel 8:14 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:15

He will take a tenth of your grain and grape harvest and give it to his officials and servants.

1 Samuel 8:15 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:16

And he will take your menservants and maidservants and your best cattle and donkeys and put them to his own use.

1 Samuel 8:16 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:17

He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.

1 Samuel 8:17 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:18

When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.”

1 Samuel 8:18 · BSB

and the Lord "Hitherto ," says Puffendorf , "the people of Israel had lived under governors raised up by God , who had exacted no tribute of them , nor put them to any charge; but little content with this form of government , they desire to have a king like other nations , who should live in magnificence and pomp , keep armies , and be able to resist any invasion. Samuel informs them what it was they desired; that , when they understood it , they might consider whether they would persist in their choice. If they would have a king splendidly attended , he tells them that he would take their sons for his chariots , etc. . if they would have him keep up constant forces , then he would appoint them for colonels and captains , and employ those in his wars who were accustomed to follow their family business; and since , after the manner of other kings , he must keep a stately court , they must be content that their daughters should serve in several offices , which the king would think below the dignity of his wives and daughters . 1 Samuel 8 . 13. In one word , that , to sustain his dignity , their king would exact the tenth of all they possessed , and be maintained in a royal manner out of their estates."

1 Samuel 8:19

Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We must have a king over us.

1 Samuel 8:19 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:20

Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles."

1 Samuel 8:20 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:21

Samuel listened to all the words of the people and repeated them in the hearing of the LORD.

1 Samuel 8:21 · BSB

1 Samuel 8:22

“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.”

1 Samuel 8:22 · BSB