1 Samuel 8:22

22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”

1 Samuel 8:22 in Other Translations

KJV
22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
ESV
22 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey their voice and make them a king." Samuel then said to the men of Israel, "Go every man to his city."
NLT
22 and the LORD replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.” Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.
MSG
22 God told Samuel, "Do what they say. Make them a king." Then Samuel dismissed the men of Israel: "Go home, each of you to your own city."
CSB
22 "Listen to them," the Lord told Samuel. "Appoint a king for them." Then Samuel told the men of Israel, "Each of you, go back to your city."

1 Samuel 8:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 8:22

And the Lord said to Samuel
an audible voice, or by an impulse upon his mind:

hearken unto their voice, and make them a king;
since they will have a king, let them have one, and let them know that they shall have one:

and Samuel said unto the men of Israel:
the elders of the people that addressed him on this occasion, ( 1 Samuel 8:4 )

go ye every man unto his city;
signifying they might return in peace, and be assured their request would be granted, and a king would be appointed in a short time, and which they might report to their fellow citizens; and they might expect to hear from him quickly, as soon as he had instructions from the Lord who should be their king, which right he had reserved to himself; and therefore in the mean while they might rest contented that they would have one in a little time.

1 Samuel 8:22 In-Context

20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD.
22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”

Cross References 1

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