Bible Commentaries

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he ^a made his sons judges over Israel.

(a) Because he was not able to bear the charge.

Now the name of his firstborn was ^b Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: [they were] judges in Beersheba.

(b) Who was also called Vashni, (1 Chronicles 6:28).

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto ^c Ramah,

(c) For there his house was, (1 Samuel 7:17).

But the thing ^d displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

(d) Because they were not content with the order that God had appointed, but would be governed as the Gentiles were.

Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet ^e protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

(e) To prove if they will forsake their wicked purpose.

And he said, This will be the ^f manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.

(f) Not that kings have this authority by their office, but that such as reign in God's wrath would usurp this over their brethren, contrary to the law, (Deuteronomy 17:20).

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not ^g hear you in that day.

(g) Because you do not repent for your sins, but because you long for your afflictions, into which you cast yourselves willingly.