1 Samuel 8:21 NVIPT

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 8:21

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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:21

All the words. The elders had of course reported to Samuel all the arguments used in the assembly, and just as previously he had carried his own distress at the national discontent with his government to Jehovah's footstool in prayer ( 1 Samuel 8:6 ), so now, in his mediatorial office as prophet, he carries thither the nation's petition. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 8:21

1 Samuel 8:21 . He rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord He repeated them privately between God and himself, for his own vindication and comfort, and as a foundation for his prayers to God for direction and assistance. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Click image for full-size version8:1-12:25 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONARCHYThe people ask for a king (8:1-22)Israel’s history continued to follow the pattern set out in the book of Judges. Once the God-appointed judge (in this case, Samuel) was no longer able to exercise control over the nation (for Samuel was old and his sons who succeeded him as judges were worthless), the people turned from God and drifted into wrongdoing (8:1-3).In search for stability within the nation, the people asked... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 8:21

the ears . Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 8:1-22

1. The demand for a king ch. 8The Israelites had pressed their leaders for a king at least twice in their past history. The first time was during Gideon’s judgeship (Judges 8:22), and the second was during Abimelech’s conspiracy (Judges 9:2). Now in Samuel’s judgeship they demanded one again. read more