1
When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel.
2
The name of his first-born son was Jo'el, and the name of his second, Abi'jah; they were judges in Beer-sheba.
3
Yet his sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice.
4
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,
5
and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint for us a king to govern us like all the nations."
6
But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to govern us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD.
7
And the LORD said to Samuel, "Hearken to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.
8
According to all the deeds which they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you.
9
Now then, hearken to their voice; only, you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."