1 Samuel Chapter 8
Israel Demands a King
1 When Samuel was getting older, he made his sons judges over Israel: 2 Joel his firstborn, and Abijah. They judged in Beersheba, 3 but they didn’t follow Samuel’s ways. They pursued dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
4 Israel’s elders gathered to Samuel at Ramah, 5 “You’re getting old, and your sons don’t follow your ways. Appoint a king to govern us like the other nations. 6 That displeased Samuel. He prayed to Yahveh, 7 and Yahveh said,
“Listen to them. They’re not rejecting you as much as rejecting me from being their king. 8 As they’ve done ever since I brought them out of Egypt—leaving me and serving other gods—so they’re doing to you. 9 Give in to them but warn them solemnly how kings will rule.”
1 Sam 8:1-9
Samuel Warns About Having Kings
10 Samuel told the people everything Yahveh said.
11 “Be aware that this is how a king will rule. He’ll take your sons and appoint them to his chariots, to be his cavalry, to run ahead of his chariots. 12 He’ll appoint commanders of thousands and fifties, and some to plow his ground, reap his harvest, and make weapons and equipment for his chariots. 13 He’ll take your daughters for perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14 He’ll take your best fields, vineyards, and olive orchards and give them to his officials. 15 He’ll take a tenth of your grain and your vineyards, and give it to his attendants. 16 He’ll take your male and female servants and the best of your livestock and donkeys and put them to his work. 17 He’ll take a tenth of your flocks, and you’ll be his slaves. 18 You’ll cry out because you’ve chosen a king, but Yahveh won’t answer you on the matter.”
The LORD Grants Israel ‘s Request
19 But the people wouldn’t listen. They said, “We want a king 20 so we’ll be like other nations. He can govern us and lead us in battle.”
21 When Samuel heard what they said, he repeated it to Yahveh.
22 Yahveh said, “Give in to them and appoint them a king.”
Samuel told Israel, “Every one of you, go home.”
1 Sam 8:10-22