CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 8:22 "Listen to their voice," the LORD said to Samuel. "Appoint a king for them." Then Samuel told the men of Israel, "Everyone must go back to his city."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/8-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_08_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 8:22 - God Grants the Request" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Listen to their voice, the LORD said to Samuel. Appoint a king for them. Then Samuel told the men of Israel, Everyone must go back to his city." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/8-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/8-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/8-21.htm" title="1 Samuel 8:21">◄</a> 1 Samuel 8:22 <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The LORD answered, &#8220Listen to them and give them a king.&#8221 Then Samuel said to the Israelites, &#8220Everyone go back to your own town.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />and the LORD replied, “Do as they say, and give them a king.” Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.” Samuel then said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed their voice, and make them a king.” And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Every man go to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them.” So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go, every man to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The LORD said to Samuel, &#8220Listen to their voice and appoint them a king.&#8221 So Samuel said to the men of Israel, &#8220Go every man to his city.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice, and appoint them a king.” So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint them a king.” So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to their request and appoint a king for them.” So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go, each man to his own city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Listen to them,” the LORD told Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Each of you, go back to your city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220Listen to them,&#8221 the LORD told Samuel. &#8220Appoint a king for them.&#8221 Then Samuel told the men of Israel, &#8220Each of you, go back to your city.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Do what they want," the LORD answered. "Give them a king." Samuel told the people to go back to their homes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD told him, "Listen to them, and give them a king." Then Samuel told the people of Israel, "Go [back] to your own cities."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD answered, "Do what they want and give them a king." Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD told Samuel, "Listen to them, and appoint a king for them." Then Samuel told the men of Israel, "Each of you go to his own town."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Listen to their voice,? the LORD said to Samuel. ?Appoint a king for them.? Then Samuel told the men of Israel, ?Everyone must go back to his city.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said to Samuel, "Do as they say and install a king over them." Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Each of you go back to his own city." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to their voice, and make them a king." Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Every man go to his city."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken to their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel, Go ye every man to his city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice, and make them a king.” Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Everyone go to your own city.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and YHWH says to Samuel, “Listen to their voice, and you have caused a king to reign over them.” And Samuel says to the men of Israel, “Go, each man, to his city.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jehovah saith unto Samuel, 'Hearken to their voice, and thou hast caused to reign over them a king.' And Samuel saith unto the men of Israel, 'Go ye each to his city.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will say to Samuel, Hear to their voice, and make a king for them. And Samuel will say to them, Go ye a man to his city.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord said to Samuel: Hearken to their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel: Let every man go to his city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice, and appoint a king over them.” And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Let each one go to his own city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said: Listen to them! Appoint a king to rule over them. Then Samuel said to the people of Israel, “Return, each one of you, to your own city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and set a king over them.” Samuel then said to the people of Israel, “Each of you return home.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken to their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel, Go every man to his city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH said to Shemueil: “Listen to their voice, and a King shall reign over them.” And Shemueil said to the people of Israel: “Go, each man to his town!” <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel: 'Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king.' And Samuel said unto the men of Israel: 'Go ye every man unto his city.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken to their voice, and appoint them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel, Let each man depart to his city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/8-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2000" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm">God Grants the Request</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>Samuel listened to all the words of the people and repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><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·w·lām (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">to their voice,”</a> <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.">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/4427.htm" title="4427: wə·him·laḵ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">“Appoint</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">a king</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">for them.”</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.">Then Samuel</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">told</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">“Everyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">must go back</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: lə·‘î·rōw (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">to his city.”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14-20</a></span><br />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.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-10.htm">Hosea 13:10-11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23</a></span><br />But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12-13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a></span><br />Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-20.htm">1 Kings 8:20</a></span><br />Now the LORD has fulfilled the word that He spoke. I have succeeded my father David, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built the house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">1 Kings 12:15</a></span><br />So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-21.htm">2 Kings 17:21</a></span><br />When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-15.htm">2 Chronicles 10:15</a></span><br />So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from God, in order that the LORD might fulfill the word that He had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-15.htm">Psalm 106:15</a></span><br />So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Isaiah 3:4-5</a></span><br />“I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” / The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Acts 13:21-22</a></span><br />Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. / After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD said to Samuel, Listen to their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel, Go you every man to his city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/13-11.htm">Hosea 13:11</a></b></br> I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took <i>him</i> away in my wrath.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-14.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-21.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-30.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-17.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-14.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">By occasion of the ill government of Samuel's sons, the Israelites ask a king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Samuel praying in grief is comforted by God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">He tells the manner of a king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">God wills Samuel to yield unto the importunity of the people</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>“Listen to their voice,”</b><br>In this phrase, God instructs Samuel to heed the request of the Israelites. This marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from a theocracy to a monarchy. The Israelites' demand for a king reflects their desire to be like other nations (<a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5</a>), which indicates a lack of faith in God's unique leadership. This moment foreshadows the challenges and consequences of human leadership over divine guidance.<p><b>the LORD said to Samuel.</b><br>The LORD's communication with Samuel underscores the prophet's role as God's intermediary. Samuel, a judge and prophet, is a key figure during this transitional period. His relationship with God is reminiscent of Moses, who also received direct guidance from the LORD. This divine instruction highlights God's sovereignty and His willingness to allow human agency, even when it diverges from His ideal plan.<p><b>“Appoint a king for them.”</b><br>God's directive to appoint a king is both a concession and a judgment. While it fulfills the people's request, it also serves as a test of their faithfulness. The appointment of a king is prophesied in <a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14-20</a>, where God provides guidelines for a king who would lead according to His laws. This moment foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who perfectly embodies God's will and reigns with justice and righteousness.<p><b>Then Samuel told the men of Israel,</b><br>Samuel's role as a leader and prophet is evident as he communicates God's decision to the people. His obedience to God's command, despite his personal reservations (<a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">1 Samuel 8:6</a>), demonstrates his faithfulness. This act of communication is crucial in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as Samuel serves as the bridge between divine will and human action.<p><b>“Everyone must go back to his city.”</b><br>This instruction signifies the conclusion of the assembly where the demand for a king was made. It reflects the decentralized nature of Israelite society at the time, where people lived in tribal territories. The dispersal to their cities indicates a return to daily life, but with the anticipation of a significant change in governance. This moment sets the stage for the anointing of Saul as the first king, which will bring both unity and challenges to the nation of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will to Samuel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_men_of_israel.htm">The Men of Israel</a></b><br>The elders and representatives of the Israelite tribes who demand a king to lead them.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, currently in a period of transition from a theocratic rule to a monarchy.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_appointment_of_a_king.htm">The Appointment of a King</a></b><br>A pivotal event where Israel transitions from being led by judges to having a human king, as requested by the people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_human_choice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Human Choice</a></b><br>God allows human choices, even when they are not aligned with His perfect will, to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rejecting_divine_leadership.htm">The Consequences of Rejecting Divine Leadership</a></b><br>Seeking human solutions over divine guidance can lead to unforeseen consequences and challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Leadership in God's Plan</a></b><br>Leadership is a significant theme in God's plan, and He provides guidelines for righteous leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god's_voice.htm">Listening to God's Voice</a></b><br>Like Samuel, believers are called to listen and obey God's voice, even when it involves difficult decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_returning_to_god.htm">The Importance of Returning to God</a></b><br>The call for each man to return to his city symbolizes a return to personal responsibility and accountability before God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_deut._17_14-20_and_1_sam._8_conflict.htm">How does Deuteronomy 17:14-20's endorsement of a human king align with 1 Samuel 8's warning against monarchy, and are these texts contradictory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promise_restoration_if_judgment_remains.htm">Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_tolerate_david's_polygamy.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:8, why does God appear to condone or at least tolerate David's multiple wives, despite other biblical condemnations of polygamy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_grant_israel_a_king.htm">If God disapproved of Israel's request for a king (1 Samuel 8:7), why did He still grant it?</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>(22) <span class= "bld">Hearken unto their voice.</span>--And for the third time (see <a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm" title="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.">1Samuel 8:7</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm" title="Now therefore listen to their voice: however, yet protest solemnly to them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.">1Samuel 8:9</a>) the voice of the Eternal, which Samuel the seer knew so well, used the same expression, bidding the reluctant and indignant old man comply with the request of the people. God had allowed His servant to remonstrate, well knowing all the time what would be the result of his remonstrances.<p>So now, with the self-same words with which He had spoken to the seer when at the first he laid the petition of Israel before the eternal throne, He finally directs Samuel respecting the course of action he was to pursue on this momentous occasion.<p><span class= "bld">The men of Israel.</span>--That is, to the elders. The words which follow, "Go ye every man unto his city," show that these elders were in truth a representative body, drawn from the chief centres of the land.<p>Attention has already been drawn to the perfect trust which the Eternal must have placed in Samuel the judge, seeing that He entrusted him with all the arrangements connected with this vital change in the Hebrew constitution, although his own downfall from power was necessarily involved in it. The confidence of the God-Friend of Israel in their upright judge was evidently shared in by the people. It was to their ruler, to the earthly head of their republic, that they in the first instance carried, through their representative chiefs, their request, which in other words said, "Let kings for the future, and not judges like yourself, rule over us." The elders of Israel seem to have listened respectfully to the urgent remonstrances of their great judge, and to have deliberated carefully over them, and then, still respectfully, but firmly, to have reiterated their first request, which asked for a king instead of a judge. Again they watched him go alone into the presence of the Eternal, and after the seer's solitary prayer, the "elders," at the bidding of their judge, dispersed quietly, each one journeying to his own city. They loved and trusted the patriot Samuel, and though they were ready to depose him, they waited till he should give them a sign.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Hearken unto their voice.</span> The Divine consent is now given for the third time to their request (see vers. 7, 9). For the will of God ever leaves the will of man free, even when overruling it to the carrying out of some higher and fore ordained purpose. Everything was ripe in Israel for the change, but it was due to the moderation and disinterestedness of Samuel that the revolution was made without bloodshed or armed struggle. Ordinary rulers too often resist a popular demand, and stem back the flowing current of thought till it breaks through the opposing barrier, and sweeps with resistless violence all opposition away. Samuel yielded, and the nation trusted him so thoroughly that they left the choice of the king entirely to him, permitted him to settle the terms and limits of the monarchy, or, as we should say, to give the nation a constitution (<a href="/1_samuel/10-25.htm">1 Samuel 10:25</a>), and treated him throughout the rest of his life with the deepest respect. He was deprived neither of his prophetic rank nor of his judicial functions, for "Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life" (<a href="/1_samuel/7-15.htm">1 Samuel 7:15</a>), <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he remained to the last a coordinate power by the side of a king so self-willed and energetic even as Saul. <span class="cmt_word">Go ye every man unto his city.</span> Prudence forbade a hasty choice. It would be well to let the agitation subside, or otherwise some busy intriguer among the elders might have managed to get himself selected by the popular voice. We gather from <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a> that there were leading men who felt aggrieved when the choice fell on none of them. But how wonderful is the confidence reposed in Samuel by the nation, when thus it left to the ruler whom virtually it was setting aside the choice of the person to whom he should cede his powers. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/8-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Listen</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to their voice,”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּקוֹלָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Samuel.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמוּאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Appoint a king</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִמְלַכְתָּ֥</span> <span class="translit">(wə·him·laḵ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for them.”</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then Samuel</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמוּאֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">told</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">אַנְשֵׁ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Everyone</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must go back</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to his city.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעִירֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘î·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 8:22 Yahweh said to Samuel Listen to their (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/8-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:1" /></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>