Israel’s Demand for a King
1 When Samuel grew old he appointed his sons as judges over Israel.
2
The name of his firstborn son [was] Joel, and the name of his second son [was] Abijah. [They were] judges in Beersheba.
3
But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after gain, they took bribes, and they perverted justice.
4
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
5
They said to him, "Look, you are old and your sons do not follow in your ways. So then appoint a king for us to judge us, like all the nations.
6
But the matter {was displeasing to Samuel} when they said, "Give us a king to judge us," so Samuel prayed to Yahweh.
7
Then Yahweh said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people concerning all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.
8
Like all the deeds they have done from the day I brought them up from Egypt until this day, they have forsaken me and have served other gods--so they [are] doing to you also.
9
And so then, listen to their voice. However, you must earnestly warn them; you must explain to them the custom of the king who will rule over them."
10
So Samuel spoke all the words of Yahweh to the people who [were] requesting a king from him.