1 Samuel 8:4

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together and came to Samuel in Ramah

1 Samuel 8:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 8:4

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together,
&c.] At some place of rendezvous appointed; these were the heads of the tribes, and fathers of the houses and families of Israel, the principal persons of age and authority:

and came to Samuel unto Ramah;
the place of his nativity and abode, and where he now dwelt, and judged Israel; they went in a very respectable body with an address to him.

1 Samuel 8:4 In-Context

2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abiah; they were judges in Beersheba.

3 And his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after greed, receiving bribes and perverting that which is right.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together and came to Samuel in Ramah

5 and said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons do not walk in thy ways; therefore make us a king to judge us like all the Gentiles.

6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.