1 Samuel 8:1-6

1 When Samuel got to be an old man, he set his sons up as judges in Israel.

2 His firstborn son was named Joel, the name of his second, Abijah. They were assigned duty in Beersheba.

3 But his sons didn't take after him; they were out for what they could get for themselves, taking bribes, corrupting justice.

4 Fed up, all the elders of Israel got together and confronted 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."

6 When Samuel heard their demand - "Give us a king to rule us!" - he was crushed. How awful! Samuel prayed to God.

1 Samuel 8:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 8

This chapter relates, how that Samuel being old, and his sons behaving ill, the people desired to have a king set over them, 1Sa 8:1-5, which case Samuel laid before the Lord, and he was directed by him to yield to the people's desire, but at the same time to set before them all the disadvantages and ill consequences that would arise from thence, which he did, 1Sa 8:6-18, but they insisting upon it, nevertheless, he gave them reason to expect that their request would be granted, 1Sa 8:19-22.