MPV Commentary

Israelites Ask for a King.

Samuel was now about fifty-four years old and had been serving as Israel's sole judge for twelve years. As he grew older, his infirmities made it difficult to continue traveling throughout the country, so he confined his duties to Ramah and its surrounding areas (1Sa 7:15). He delegated administrative tasks to his sons in the southern districts of Palestine, with their provincial court held at Beer-sheba. However, Samuel's sons did not inherit his qualities; they corrupted justice for personal gain, leading a delegation of prominent men to complain against them and demand a change in government.

The limited authority of the judges, combined with the disunity and jealousy among the tribes under their rule, had created a desire for a unified and permanent form of government. Samuel's advanced age and the uncertainty of his death added to this sentiment. The people now called for an expression of this desire.

The Israelites asked Samuel, "Give us a king to judge us" (1Sa 8:5). This request displeased Samuel, not just because it was personal or familial, but primarily because it would fundamentally alter their theocratic government. A visible monarch would obscure their unseen King and Head. God revealed through Samuel that their request would be granted in anger, along with some of the negative consequences that would follow.

He will take your sons to serve him, appointing them as he pleases (1Sa 8:11). Oriental monarchs claimed the right to use any subject's services at will. Some of your sons will run ahead of his chariots, accompanying the royal procession on foot.

He will also appoint captains over you, forcing you to accept offices that may be unappealing or detrimental to your interests (1Sa 8:12). In Eastern countries, accepting a king's nomination was often necessary, regardless of personal preference.

The king will take your daughters as confectioners and cooks in his palace, where thousands of young women are already employed in these roles (1Sa 8:13).

He will also take your fields, vineyards, and olive groves, using them for his own purposes. The circumstances mentioned here have parallels in the conduct of many Oriental monarchs today.

Despite Samuel's warnings, the people refused to listen, dismissing his concerns as a scare tactic. They insisted on being like other nations, despite their unique privilege of having God as their King and Lawgiver (Nu 23:9; De 33:28). Their demand was granted, as the law had already provided for a king (De 17:14-20), and they were dismissed to await God's appointment.