The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 When Samuel got to be an old man, he set his sons up as judges in Israel.
1
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders.
2 His firstborn son was named Joel, the name of his second, Abijah. They were assigned duty in Beersheba.
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The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba.
3 But his sons didn't take after him; they were out for what they could get for themselves, taking bribes, corrupting justice.
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But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
4 Fed up, all the elders of Israel got together and confronted Samuel at Ramah.
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So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
5 They presented their case: "Look, you're an old man, and your sons aren't following in your footsteps. Here's what we want you to do: Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else."
5
They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
6 When Samuel heard their demand - "Give us a king to rule us!" - he was crushed. How awful! Samuel prayed to God.
6
But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.