1 Samuel 8:1-3

Israel Demands a King

1 When Samuel became old, ¹he made his sons judges over Israel.

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

3 Yet his sons did not walk in his ways ²but turned aside after gain. ³They took bribes and perverted justice.

1 Samuel 8:1-3 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.

Cross References

• 1. 8:1 Deut. 16:18
• 2. 8:3 [Ex. 18:21]
• 3. 8:3 [Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19; Ps. 15:5]