Samuel I_Chapter 8

Samuel, in his old age, appointed his son as the judge of Israel.

The first son’s name is Joel, and the second son’s name is Abiah. They are not teachers in Ba.

His son does not follow his way, is greedy for wealth, accepts bribes, and distorts integrity.

The elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel in Ramah,

Tell him, you are old and your son cannot do your way. Now I pray you to establish a king over us, like all the nations.

Samuel was displeased that they had said to establish a king over us, so he prayed to the Lord.

The Lord said to Samuel, “Follow all the words that the people say to you.”. For they did not despise you, but despised me, and did not want me to be their king.

Since I led them out of Egypt until now, they have often abandoned me and served other gods. What they have done to you now is as they have always done.

Therefore, obey their words, but warn them and tell them how the king will rule over them in the future.

Samuel preached all the words of the Lord to the people who sought him to establish a king, saying,

The king who governs you will do this: he will send your sons to drive chariots and follow horses, running in front of them.

And he appointed them as commanders of thousands and fifty, to cultivate the fields and harvest crops for him, and to make weapons and equipment for his chariots.

I will take your daughter and make ointment for her, and make rice and baked cakes for her.

I will also take your best fields, vineyards, and olive groves and give them to his servants.

He will take a tenth of your grain and vineyard to give to his eunuchs and servants.

And I will take your servants, maidservants, strong young men, and your donkeys to serve him.

He will take a tenth of your flock, and you will be his servants.

At that time, you will cry to the Lord for your chosen king, but the Lord will not answer you.

But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s words, saying, Otherwise. We must have a king to govern us,

Let us be like the nations, with a king ruling over us, leading us and fighting for us.

Samuel heard all these words of the people and presented them before the Lord.

The Lord said to Samuel, “Follow their words and make a king for them.”. Samuel said to the Israelites, “Go back to your respective cities.”.