1 Samuel 8:19-22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:4-22

We have here the starting of a matter perfectly new and surprising, which was the setting up of kingly government in Israel. Perhaps the thing had been often talked of among them by those that were given to change and affected that which looked great. But we do not find that it was ever till now publicly proposed and debated. Abimelech was little better than a titular king, though he is said to reign over Israel (Jdg. 9:22), and perhaps his fall had for a great while rendered the title of king... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:19

Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel ,.... The advice he gave not to think of a king, but be content with the government under which they were; but to this they would not hearken, notwithstanding all the inconveniences that would attend such a change: and they said, nay, but we will have a king over us ; they would not believe what Samuel said concerning a king, even though they were the words of the Lord he delivered to them; and though they knew Samuel was a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:20

That we also may be like all the nations ,.... Even though they were slaves, like them; a king they would have, as they had, such was their stupidity. It was their greatest honour and glory, as well as happiness, not to be like other nations; as in their religion, laws, and liberties, so in their form of government; God being their King in such a peculiar sense as he was not of others, but with this they could not be content: and that our king may judge us ; hear their causes, administer... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:21

And Samuel heard all the words of the people ,.... Patiently, and without interruption; attentively heard them, took notice of them, laid them up in his memory; but gave no answer to them, but reported them to the Lord, as in the next clause: and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord ; privately, in a free and familiar manner, with great exactness, as they were expressed; this he did, not before the people publicly, but in secret prayer, seeking for direction what he should further... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:22

And the Lord said to Samuel ,.... an audible voice, or by an impulse upon his mind: hearken unto their voice, and make them a king ; since they will have a king, let them have one, and let them know that they shall have one: and Samuel said unto the men of Israel : the elders of the people that addressed him on this occasion, 1 Samuel 8:4 . go ye every man unto his city ; signifying they might return in peace, and be assured their request would be granted, and a king would be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:19

The people refused to obey - They would have the king, his manner and all, notwithstanding the solemn warning which they here receive. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:20

May judge us - This appears to be a rejection of Samuel. Go out before us - Be in every respect our head and governor. And fight our battles - Be the general of our armies. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:21

Rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord - He went to the altar, and in his secret devotion laid the whole business before God. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:22

Hearken unto their voice - Let them have what they desire, and let them abide the consequences. Go ye every man unto his city - It seems the elders of the people had tarried all this time with Samuel, and when he had received his ultimate answer from God, he told them of it and dismissed them. On this account we may observe: That God did not change the government of Israel; it was the people themselves who changed it. That though God permitted them to have a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:10-22

Permitted, not approved. The facts are— 1 . Samuel points out to the people that their desired king will aggrandise himself at their expense, and that, once entering on their course, there will be no deliverance. 2 . The people, nevertheless, decide to have a king, and assign the motive of their preference. 3 . Samuel, on laying the matter before God, receives a command to make them a king. The question at issue was not whether this or that form of government was intrinsically... read more

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