Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When Samuel was old, he appointed his sons Joel and Abiah to serve as judges in Beersheba. But they did not follow in his ways; instead, they turned aside to seek personal gain and took bribes, perverting justice.

The elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, saying, "Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king over us like all the surrounding nations." The people repeated their request, insisting, "Make us a king to judge us like all the other nations."

Samuel was displeased with their demand for a king to rule over them. He prayed to the Lord about it, seeking guidance and wisdom.

The Lord spoke to Samuel, saying, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. They have not rejected you as their leader, but they have rejected me as their king. This is nothing new; since I brought them out of Egypt, they have consistently turned away from me and served other gods."

Samuel was instructed by the Lord to listen to the people's request, but also to warn them about the kind of king who would rule over them. He shared with them all the words of the Lord.

The king who would be their ruler would take their sons to serve in his army as charioteers and horsemen. Some would be appointed as captains over thousands and fifties, while others would be forced to work in agriculture or craft instruments of war.

Their daughters would be taken for various domestic tasks, such as perfumery, cooking, and baking. The king would also take their best fields, vineyards, and olive groves to give them to his servants.

He would demand a tenth of their produce and livestock, giving it to his officers and servants. Their sons, daughters, young men, and donkeys would be taken for the king's work. A tenth of their sheep would also be theirs, making them the king's servants.

The people would cry out in that day because of their chosen king, but the Lord would not hear their pleas. The elders refused to heed Samuel's warning and insisted on having a king over them.

They wanted to be like all the other nations, with a king who would make decisions for them, lead them into battle, and fight their wars. Samuel reported their words to the Lord, who instructed him to appoint a king over Israel.

Then Samuel told the men of Israel, "Each of you go back to your own town."