Open English Translation 1SA Chapter 8

8 As Shemuel grew older, he appointed his two sons as judges over Israel. 2 The eldest was Yoel and his brother was Abiyah. They were based in Beersheba. 3 However, they didn’t take after time, but rather chased dishonest gain—accepting bribes and perverting justice.

4 Eventually, the Israeli elders met together with Shemuel at Ramah 5 and requested, “Listen, you’re old now, and your sons don’t follow your example. So appoint a king for us now to lead us like all the other nations.”[ref] 6 But Shemuel thought that their request for a king was an evil request, so he prayed to Yahweh 7 who replied, “Listen to everything that the people are saying, because they’re not rejecting you, but they’re rejecting me from reigning over them. 8 They’re doing to you just what they’ve done to me every since I rescued them out of Egypt and right up until today: deserting me and serving other gods. 9 So listen to what they’re saying now, but certainly warn them about what kings require of their subjects.”

10 Then Shemuel passed on everything that Yahweh had said to the people who were requesting a king from him, 11 telling them, “If you all have a king reigning over you, this is what he’ll demand: he will conscript your sons and appoint them as his cavalry or charioteers, or they’ll run as foot-soldiers in front, of his chariot. 12 Others he’ll appoint a commander of various units. Some will end up ploughing his fields or harvesting his crops, or manufacturing his weapons and chariots. 13 He’ll take your daughters to manufacture perfumes, or to be cooks and bakers. 14 He’ll confiscate your best fields and vineyards and olive orchards, and give to his servants to control. 15 Then he’ll demand a tenth of your seeds and grape harvests for his officials and his servants. 16 He’ll commandeer some of your best male and female servants and young men, and he’ll impound some of your donkeys, then he’ll use them all for his projects. 17 He’ll expect a tenth of your sheep and goats, and you yourselves will end up being his slaves. 18 When that all happens, you’ll all cry out in front of the king who you chose for yourselves, but Yahweh won’t be answering you at that time.”

19 However, the people refused to consider Shemuel’s advice and they argued, “No, we want a king over us 20 so we’ll be like all the other nations. Our king will judge us, and will lead out our warriors in battle.” 21 Shemuel listened to everything the people said, and passed it on to Yahweh, 22 and Yahweh told him, “Do what they’re asking and get them a king.” So Shemuel told the people and then sent them all back to their homes.