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They don’t want me to be their king any longer. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey 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. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/8.htm">New King James Version</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> The LORD said to Samuel, &#8220Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Yahweh said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But the LORD told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But the LORD told him, &#8220Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The LORD answered: Samuel, do everything they want you to do. I am really the one they have rejected as their king. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD told Samuel, "Listen to everything the people are saying to you. They haven't rejected you; they've rejected me. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> and the LORD said, "Listen to everything the people say to you. You are not the one they have rejected; I am the one they have rejected as their king. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> The LORD told Samuel, "Listen to the people in all that they say to you. In fact, it's not you they have rejected, but rather they have rejected me from being their king. <a href="/net/1_samuel/8.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD said to Samuel, "Do everything the people request of you. For it is not you that they have rejected, but it is me that they have rejected as their king. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken to the voice of the people in all that they say to thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_samuel/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. <a href="/web/1_samuel/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me as the king over them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH says to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people, to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah saith unto Samuel, 'Hearken to the voice of the people, to all that they say unto thee, for thee they have not rejected, but Me they have rejected, from reigning over them. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Samuel, Hear to the voice of the people to all which they will say to thee: for not thee did they reject, but me they rejected from reigning over them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord said to Samuel: Hearken to the voice of the people in all that they say to thee. For they have not rejected thee, but me, that I should not reign over them. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the Lord said to Samuel: “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they are saying to you. For they have not rejected you, but me, lest I reign over them. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Bible</a> The LORD said: Listen to whatever the people say. You are not the one they are rejecting. They are rejecting me as their king. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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, that I should not reign over them. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Shemueil: “Listen to the voice of all the people who speak to you, because it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me, that I would not reign over them<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD said unto Samuel: 'Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not be king over them. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Samuel, Hear the voice of the people, in whatever they shall say to thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me from reigning over them. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/8-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1870" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Israel Demands a King</a> …6But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">And the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: šə·mū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">Samuel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šə·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">“Listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: bə·qō·wl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">to the voice</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵōl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in all</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mə·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they say</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">it is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯə·ḵā (DirObjM:: 2ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: mā·’ā·sū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">they have rejected,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: mā·’ă·sū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">they have rejected</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">Me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: mim·mə·lōḵ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">as their king.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> 8Just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14-20</a> When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” / you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers. / But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ ... <a href="/hosea/13-10.htm">Hosea 13:10-11</a> Where is your king now to save you in all your cities, and the rulers to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”? / So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away. <a href="/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23</a> But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.” <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a> But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” <a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12-17</a> But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. / Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. / If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. ... <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19</a> They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.” <a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20-25</a> “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. / Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. / Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. ... <a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” <a href="/1_samuel/10-17.htm">1 Samuel 10:17-19</a> After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah / and said to the Israelites, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hands of the Egyptians and of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ / But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” <a href="/1_samuel/7-3.htm">1 Samuel 7:3-4</a> Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” / So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD. <a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7-8</a> All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. <a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2-4</a> Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. / The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” / Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him. <a href="/jeremiah/2-13.htm">Jeremiah 2:13</a> “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water. <a href="/jeremiah/2-19.htm">Jeremiah 2:19</a> Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. <a href="/ezekiel/20-18.htm">Ezekiel 20:18-19</a> In the wilderness I said to their children: ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or keep their ordinances or defile yourselves with their idols. / I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Samuel, Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you: for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.Hearken<a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20</a> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.<a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Psalm 81:11,12</a> But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me… <a href="/isaiah/66-4.htm">Isaiah 66:4</a> I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.they have not<a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a> And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.<a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">1 Samuel 12:17-19</a> Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king… <a href="/exodus/16-8.htm">Exodus 16:8</a> And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/ruth/2-8.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/judges/9-14.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/genesis/36-31.htm">Reigning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-19.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-8.htm">Thee</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-9.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm">Reigning</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-3.htm">Thee</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 8</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">By occasion of the ill government of Samuel's sons, the Israelites ask a king</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Samuel praying in grief is comforted by God</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">He tells the manner of a king</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">God wills Samuel to yield unto the importunity of the people</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And the LORD said to Samuel This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Samuel, a prophet and judge of Israel. Samuel served as a bridge between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy. His role as a prophet is significant, as he was chosen by God to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. This divine communication underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's leadership, where God directly guides His chosen leaders.Listen to the voice of the people Here, God instructs Samuel to heed the demands of the Israelites. This reflects a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the people desire to transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. The request for a king was influenced by the surrounding nations, which had centralized leadership. This phrase highlights the tension between divine guidance and human desire for conformity to worldly systems.in all that they say to you God's instruction to Samuel to listen to the people in all they say suggests a comprehensive understanding of their demands. This reflects God's allowance for human free will, even when it diverges from His ideal plan. It also sets the stage for the consequences that will follow Israel's choice, as detailed in the subsequent chapters.For it is not you they have rejected This phrase reassures Samuel that the people's demand for a king is not a personal rejection of his leadership. Samuel had faithfully served as a judge and prophet, and this statement clarifies that the issue lies deeper than dissatisfaction with his governance. It points to a spiritual problem within the nation.but they have rejected Me as their king The core issue is revealed: the people's request for a human king signifies a rejection of God's kingship. This reflects a recurring theme in Israel's history, where the people often turned away from God's direct rule in favor of human leadership or idolatry. This rejection is prophetic of the struggles Israel will face under human kings, and it foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus Christ, the true King, by His own people. The desire for a king is a type of the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the King of Kings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was a pivotal figure in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. He was dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, and served as a faithful leader. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who had been the direct ruler and king over His people. His relationship with Israel was unique, as He led them through prophets and judges. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, who at this time were demanding a human king to lead them, like the other nations around them. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rejection_of_god_as_king.htm">Rejection of God as King</a> This event marks a significant turning point in Israel's history, where the people explicitly reject God's direct rule in favor of a human monarchy. 5. <a href="/topical/t/transition_to_monarchy.htm">Transition to Monarchy</a> This chapter sets the stage for the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a shift in how Israel was governed.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_human_rejection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Human Rejection</a> Despite Israel's rejection, God remains sovereign. This teaches us that human decisions do not thwart God's ultimate plan. <a href="/topical/d/desire_for_conformity.htm">Desire for Conformity</a> Israel's desire to be like other nations reflects a common human tendency to conform to worldly standards rather than God's unique calling. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> Godly leadership is about serving under God's authority. Leaders today should seek to align with God's will rather than human expectations. <a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god.htm">Listening to God</a> Samuel's obedience in listening to God, even when it was difficult, is a model for us to prioritize God's voice over popular opinion. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rejecting_god.htm">Consequences of Rejecting God</a> The request for a king led to significant challenges for Israel. This serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 8</a> <a href="/q/why_capital_punishment_for_minor_sins.htm">Why does the Old Testament prescribe capital punishment for minor offenses?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_1_sam_8_conflict_with_2_sam_7.htm">Why does 1 Samuel 8 conflict with later passages that seem to affirm kingship, such as 2 Samuel 7? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_become_king.htm">How did David rise from shepherd to king?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_sam_9_15-17_conflict_with_other_texts.htm">Does 1 Samuel 9:15–17, describing God’s direct revelation to Samuel about Saul, conflict with other biblical texts suggesting a more gradual or indirect selection of leaders? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) Hearken unto the voice of the people.--The words spoken to Samuel, probably in a vision, by the Most High are very touching and very sad. Very touching, in their extreme tenderness to the noble old man. Take courage, they seem to say, "my old true servant, and be not dismayed at this apparently bitter proof of the ingratitude of the people you loved so well. This deliberate complaint on the part of Israel is directed not against you, the judge, but against Me, the invisible King. They have ever been the same--incapable of becoming my true subjects, and of winning on earth the lofty position I would have given them; you must give them now their hearts' desire. It has all been foreseen and provided for; only make them understand what they are asking. Then give them their earthly king." Very sad, for it was the deliberate abandonment by the Eternal God of His first intention as regarded Israel--the deliberate lowering of the grand ideal once formed for His chosen people. Here, as is not unfrequent in the Divine records, we have a corner of the veil which hangs between the creature and the Creator lifted for a moment. We see how sadly possible it is for man in the exercise of his perfect freewill to mar the glorious work arranged for him by his God. We see too in the records of such a transaction as this (see <a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm" title="When you are come to the land which the LORD your God gives you, and shall possess it, and shall dwell therein, and shall say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;">Deuteronomy 17:14</a>) how all was foreseen by the King of heaven, and we catch sight of the sorrowful regret--if we may use the term--of the Creator for the perverse folly of His creatures.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - In prayer then the answer came to him that the request of the people must be granted, however wrongly it had been urged. In itself it was wrong; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. As we saw above, they wanted no theocratic king, whose first duty would be to maintain the Mosaic law (<a href="/deuteronomy/17-18.htm">Deuteronomy 17:18, 19</a>), and protect the priest and prophet in the discharge of their legitimate functions; all they wanted was a soldier who would put an end to their state of anarchy, and enable them to cultivate their fields without the danger of seeing the produce swept off by marauders. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/8-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Samuel, שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel “Listen שְׁמַע֙ (šə·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently to the voice בְּק֣וֹל (bə·qō·wl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound of the people הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock in all לְכֹ֥ל (lə·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they say יֹאמְר֖וּ (yō·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to you, אֵלֶ֑יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction it is not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no you אֹֽתְךָ֙ (’ō·ṯə·ḵā) Direct object marker | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case they have rejected, מָאָ֔סוּ (mā·’ā·sū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> To spurn, to disappear but כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they have rejected מָאֲס֖וּ (mā·’ă·sū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> To spurn, to disappear Me אֹתִ֥י (’ō·ṯî) Direct object marker | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case as their king. מִמְּלֹ֥ךְ (mim·mə·lōḵ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 8:7 Yahweh said to Samuel Listen to (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/8-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>