1 Samuel 8:9

Israel Demands a King · 1 Samuel 8:1–9
Read 1 Samuel 8

Translations

Modern
Now listen to their voice; but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”
Traditional
Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
Literal
And now listen to their voice. Only surely you must solemnly warn them and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”
Latin
Nunc ergo vocem eorum audi: verumtamen contestare eos, et prædic eis jus regis, qui regnaturus est super eos.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now listen to their voice; but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”

Notes

When Israel was changing to a monarchy (rule by kings), neither God (1 Samuel 8:7–9) nor Samuel (1 Samuel 12:1–25) liked the people's request for a king. Saul, the first king (1 Samuel 9–11), did not succeed in his role (1 Samuel 13–31) and proved Samuel's warnings true (see 1 Samuel 8:10–18; compare 1 Samuel 16:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Samuel Kingship

Parallels

Deuteronomy 17:14–20

Glossary

History of Israel Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Theocracy

Topics

Government: Mosaic: Chose, or Ratified, the Chief Ruler Government: Mosaic: Demands a King Israel: Under the Judges: They Demand a King Kings: Israel Warned Against Seeking Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests