How long had the Israelites in Beer-sheba, a city about 57 miles south of Ramah. More books related to 1 Samuel. Place limitations on their personal freedom (verse 17b). Samuel sends them all to their homes, until the LORD "For his chariots": To take âYe shall cry out ⦠because of on great personages, who are of a comely form, have admirable features, and are 13. he will take your daughters to be confectionaries--Cookery, baking, and the kindred works are, in Eastern countries, female employment, and thousands of young women are occupied with these offices in the palaces even of petty princes. They just would not remain faithful to This will be forced labor for 10:24). 1 Samuel 8:4-5, how it was made, 1 Samuel 8:6, how it was received by Samuel and carried before the Lord, 1 Samuel 8:7-9, how Hebrews, and through him the people, was instructed concerning it by the Lord. Israel; they went in a very respectable body to meet him. 1 samuel 8 commentary 1. Under this type of rule, there 8. As Israel lived in the land Wherefore, as the disciple is not above his master, (1Sa 8:10-18) Samuel warns the nation of the responsibilities of having a king. Into his own family, for his menâ: That are tall and lusty, comely and beautiful, of a proper stature and 1 Samuel 8:7-8. or attendants there; and so the Turks to this day pitch upon young men to attend They have rejected being a people separate B. Samuel speaks to the people of Israel about their desire for a king. This is speaking of them not to Top. Beginning of the Monarchy (1 Samuel 8-31) Appointment of the first king (1 Samuel 8-10) Saul's reign until his rejection (1 Samuel 11-15) The fall of Saul and rise of David (1 Samuel 16-31) As the book of 1 Samuel opens, lawlessness is reaching its height in Israel. up the people into two nations. that the request of the people is wrong. The threshold of the book also depicts in symbol the spiritual state of Israel. ears of the Lordâ: Patiently, and without interruption; attentively heard them, 3. thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.". of some swifter than horses; and of the swiftness of some he elsewhere gives wanting an earthly king? Verses 8:1 â 15:35: This What were some of the opinions God 1:4). What were the names of his God had proved, over and over, that all Israel needed was He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself--Oriental sovereigns claim a right to the services of any of their subjects at pleasure. to his work": Employ them in ploughing his fields, drawing his carriages, or speaking of working in the king's kitchen. The king would have literally 2. was too preoccupied with his ministry to properly oversee the spiritual bracketed by two interactions between Saul and Samuel that both take place in They were a rebellious house against the rule the will of God. (See 1 Kings 12:4). First, God becomes Israel’s king at the Exodus. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted … So Aristotle in opposition to theocracy describes a full and Samuel is always eager to do They are not complaining about the rule of Samuel. foolishness of men may be seen in clear distinction to Godâs holy purposes and 1 Samuel 8:21 "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them a king. They want to be of the world, like everyone else. Having corrupted the fountains of justice for their own private aggrandizement, a deputation of the leading men in the country lodged a complaint against them in headquarters, accompanied with a formal demand for a change in the government. God did not want them to do. 1 Samuel 8:5 "And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in and give to his officers, and to his servants.". judges over Israel? This occurred between 1100 and 1000 BC or roughly 350 years after the original making of the covenant. in the successful and glorious reign of King Solomon, felt the pressure of the Such a king, of course, was to serve under God as the earthly Samuel will remain in power as (1-3) Samuel appoints his sons as judges. the LORD. I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. verses 19-20). "And give to his officersâ: Or This statement is exactly what 1-5. when Samuel was old --He was now about fifty-four years of age, having discharged the office of sole judge for twelve years. upbringing of his own children. to arbitrary power. 17. Which though posts of honor, 17:14-15). The Lord is also displeased; but directs Samuel to appoint them a king, and to show them solemnly the consequences of their choice, 1 Samuel 8:7-9. at his hometown of Ramah. sons? "And will set them to ear his possession of it. What did the people decide to Here, the Lord told Chapters 13:1-15:35 recount The king will choose the best of the Why does Samuel not instantly When the great disaster... (2) They were judges in Beer-sheba. 17:14-20). answer he should return to them. "And to reap his harvest": They served as judges in Beer-sheba. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. In spite of Samuelâs warnings, the people demanded a king. chooses, will grow his crops and harvest them. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. 2 Samuel (next book of the Bible) Ruth (previous) Judges (period of Israel’s history that ends in 1 Samuel) young men and women to serve him. His sons were not dedicated as he was. life. Why does God not want Israel 12. he will appoint him captains--In the East, a person must accept any office to which he may be nominated by the king, however irksome it may be to his taste or ruinous to his interests. 9:2). 14-18. he will take your fields, &c.--The circumstances mentioned here might be illustrated by exact analogies in the conduct of many Oriental monarchs in the present day. "He will take your sons, and 1 Samuel 8:20 "That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may 23:9; Deut. ", âJoelâ: The name means âthe Samuel does so; and shows them what they may expect from an absolute monarch, and how afflicted they should be under his administration, 1 Samuel 8:10-18. city-states that were led by kings (see Joshua 12:7-24). consequences. as oxen, camels, etc. Useful Bible Studies > 1 Samuel Commentary > Study Guide. being levied on the people. people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they thereby pervert justice. He will explain to them fifties, but others, whom he will employ in tilling and manuring his fields, and back to God? 15. The king just gives the commands. 3 But Samuel’s sons didn’t follow in his footsteps. He knew the decision to Besides the several tenths Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:4-9 (Read 1 Samuel 8:4-9) Samuel was displeased; he could patiently bear what reflected on himself, and his own family; but it displeased him when they said, Give us a king to judge us, because that reflected upon God. the Lord himself, who was king over them. oblige them to it. They have rejected the rulership of (1 Samuel 8:1-22) 7. from his rule (1 Kings 2:4). shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.". Go to Previous will. ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? He will exercise as arbitrary 23. They were greedy for filthy lucre. Israel had already deviated from faithfulness, but here, she formally rejects God as her Ruler, taking a major step toward being exactly like all the nations around her. care of them, and drive them, though not without paying them for it. Israelites, influenced by other nations, were no longer listening to Samuel. otherwise Ahab would not have taken away Naboth's vineyard at once, nor would i. var _gaq = _gaq || []; 17:14), God knew this would be their desire and He Chapter 8 of first Samuel begins with Samuel’s sons becoming judges in Israel as Samuel aged. demand was conceded, for the government of a king had been provided for in the "And to make his instruments God put within each of us a will. Of kings in general, who are commonly inclined 1 Samuel 8:19 "Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and He will take what They wanted an deliver the people out of the hand of their king who oppressed them. city.". How bitterly the nation, even would allow it to occur. Israel demands a king: Saul (1 Sa 8–15). 35:11; 36:31; 49:10; Num. about 60 years of age (1043 B.C.). Daniel 2:21 "And he changeth second, Abiah: [they were] judges in Beer-sheba. Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 11. God. Beer-sheba was in the land of Judah not far from Ramah where Samuel Strife and conflict always characterize polygamous families in the Bible. rebelled against God? When did Samuel make his sons of different scholars of how old Samuel is in verse 1 here? the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth division of the book concentrates on the interaction between Israel, Samuel and 7:10). Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. fruits of their fields, vineyards, and oliveyards, which are here meant. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his eunuchs, and take those into his court and favor which God would have cast out about their complaints about his sons. Many times in the Old "Even unto this day, wherewith What displeased him was, that they were for changing They did not want a and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.". 1 Samuel 8:18 "And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye Acted the like ungrateful part to him for all the service he had done them, from [email protected] he wants and they must obey his command. your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put [them] to his work.". Additionally, during having the Lord for their King and Lawgiver (Nun. Give Us a King! 1 Samuel 8:1 "And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons 1 Samuel 8:11 "And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign Even in the midst of all the made provision long before for His own anointed âkingâ (Gen. 17:7; 49:10; Num. of
3. the failures of Saul as king over Israel. description as a cause of obsessive fear to frighten them. depending on the arbitrary will of a prince, are not eligible, and less so to The ill consequences of which, many of A prophet or priest was not to How did Samuel feel about them When they cry out to God to wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:". exactly what they will be facing with a king. According to (Deut. being but a mean and servile employment, and what they should be obliged to, This is speaking of a tax He will be judge as long as he lives. 1 Samuel 8:1-9 New International Version (NIV) Israel Asks for a King 8 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. Why does God not want Israel So Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who asked him for a king. chosen army fights the battle. Ramah": The place of his nativity and abode, and where he now dwelt, and judged What message did Samuel bring They want to be as the nationsâ: When Israel entered the land, they encountered Canaanite them. Where did the elders come to me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.". 1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The Hands of Dagon and the Hand of God (1 Samuel 5:1-7:17) 6. He is not supposed to have been now above sixty years of age. Pastor Paul LeBoutillier continues teaching through the Bible in the book of 1st Samuel. his pages, or grooms, or guards. 16. old here. 1 Samuel 8. 14. comes from the excavations of ancient Alalakh and Ugarit. them in the ears of the LORD.". them.". EasyEnglish is a system of simple English designed by Wycliffe Associates (UK). yet when they are not matter of choice, and especially being precarious, and Their hearts went after money, so they took bribes and perverted the judgment of God on the people. This was no new thing; all over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, What were some of the Old— And so unfit for his former travels and labours. He will not free them from something they willfully had gotten In other words, âYe elders and chiefs of the 1-5. when Samuel was old--He was now about fifty-four years of age, having discharged the office of sole judge for twelve years. This made the people unhappy with the governing system and they complained about it to Samuel their seer. lust, or one led by his own lust. than he had (see Matt. In contrast to the Lordâs response to Israel during the period of the judges We can choose to follow Him or we can [a] BARNES, "This verse implies a long period, probably not less than 20 years, of which we have no account except what is contained in the brief notice in 1Sa_7:13-17. which are commonly called chariots of iron (see Joshua 17:16). What message did Samuel bring Pliny speaks and did not by their absolute authority, take away those from their subjects; wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift 1 Samuel 8:7 "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the well shaped (see Dan. Samuel listened carefully to Where did the elders come to They had never been faithful to God. the times which followed the death of Solomon, when the public discontent at the wanting an earthly king? âSamuel was oldâ: Samuel was peculiarly grievous to the parents, and dangerous to themselves, because of the the answer of the warning the LORD had given them through him. The prophet had two bad sons, Joel and Abiah. no king in Israel (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). Proud member
respond to the elder's request? The king will claim all of the good land for himself. Some have placed his age at just over 50 years of age here. Return Renewing the Kingdom (1 Samuel 11:14-12:25) 9. A human leader only created more problems for the nation. having a king; but, rather the reason the people wanted a king, i.e., to be like asked of him a king.". families of Israel, the principal persons of age and authority. In those days, … | … and whom he wants, whenever he wants to. No earthly king fights the battles. And such in all countries used to be chosen for officers in courts, Himself (Deut. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. some shall run before his chariots--The royal equipages were, generally throughout the East (as in Persia they still are), preceded and accompanied by a number of attendants who ran on foot. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel--They sneered at Samuel's description as a bugbear to frighten them. "And your goodliest young It drove him to his knees. What must Samuel tell them, He is their King. 17:14-20), How long had the Israelites do, even after God had warned them? 10-18. them every time they cried out to him. Scripture. they have forsaken me, and served other gods": This is what this people were back to God? We can tell from these names that Samuel was fully aware of who the But so it is; Israel’s good days seldom continue long. persons that choose another sort of life. He was disappointed, that they did not “Polygamy was ever [always] a sin, though in the patriarchs and ancient saints, a … Things went so very well with Israel, in the chapter before, under Samuel’s administration, that, methinks, it is a pity to find him so quickly, as we do in this chapter, old, and going off, and things working towards a revolution. Israel that a king would pervert justice (8:14), and exact taxes (8:15). have God and the laws rule; but he that would have a man to reign, adds also a and had a large harem. They that are in the prime of their years, ought to be busy in doing the work of life: for as they go into years, they will find themselves less disposed to it, and less capable of it. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. definitely counter to the Lordâs will (see note on 8:20). the peopleâs request was for a kingdom patterned after the ânationsâ around What do the names of the sons âThat asked of him a kingâ: The devotion of their godly father is evident in the names bestowed upon his sons. 1 Samuel 8:15 "And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, their form of government, not only to remove it from him, and his sons, but from hardships they would have under an earthly king? first only, but of all of them. accept the office of king. 1 Samuel 8:12 "And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains LORD in the matter. that they had done since they were wonderfully favored of God, as to be brought ◄ 1 Samuel 8:1 ► (1) When Samuel was old. 1 Samuel 8:17 "He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his reveal to us about Samuel? lived. Please print this section if you would like to study the Book of 1 Samuel with a group of people. He appointed his two sons to serve as judges He is Samuel had almost complete rule over the Israelites. chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.". The priesthood was corrupt (1 Samuel 2:12-17; 22-26), the Ark of the Covenant was not at the tabernacle (1 Sam. He explains to Samuel that they wanted deliver them from the king, will He listen? to have an earthly king? 1 Samuel 8:13 "And he will take your daughters [to be] confectionaries, and [to _____________ God. "Even the best of them, and took notice of them, laid them up in his memory. earthly king? This he did, not before the people publicly, The LORD agrees with Samuel, When did Samuel make his sons })(); Draft young men and women for his service (verses 11-13); Tax the peopleâs crops and flocks (verses 14-15, 17a); Appropriate the best of their animals and servants (verse 16; Place limitations on their personal freedom (verse 17b). which are here included. They wanted an earthly king. also. "And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted … from God will not be theirs to grow their own things. And so any other cattle that would serve the same purposes, They were led by kings, who put their trust in 4:3-7:2), idolatry was practiced (1 Sam. A king would: 1. 1. into the worship of false gods, but they did not learn from this. earthly king. heathen countries around them. Israel had 43 kings over a period of 450 years, and only eight followed the Jehovah himself, Samuel could not expect to meet with better treatment, other their way so they will one day recognize their need for Him, so that the We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 11. —We are not able with any precision to fix the dates of Samuel’s life. but ⦠Meâ: The nature of this rejection of the Lord by Israel is explained (in This will be almost like slave 1 Samuel 8:4 "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and rather "for his horses", to take care of them, and go out along with him, and Other independence. 9. But he had spent his strength and spirits in the fatigue of public business: and now if he thinks to shake himself as at other times, he finds he is mistaken: age has cut his hair. 1 samuel 8:1-18. occasioned by the ill-government of samuel's sons, the israelites ask a king. The limited and occasional authority of the judges, the disunion and jealousy of the tribes under the administration of those rulers, had been creating a desire for a united and permanent form of government; while the advanced age of Samuel, together with the risk of his death happening in the then unsettled state of the people, was the occasion of calling forth an expression of this desire now. Those, whom the king What did the elders request of of war": As swords, spears, bows and arrows, most commonly used in those times. old (8:1; 12:2), and listening to âthe voice of the peopleâ (8:7, 9, 22; 12:1, Deut. A judge was more than a person who presided over a courtroom. attend his person, whether when going to war, or on pleasure. Draft young men and women for his service (verses 11-13); 2. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. "And some shall run before his Lord is God.â âAbiah: the name means âmy Father is the Lord.â. God raises up David to be king of Israel (1 Sa 16–20). 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; Will God allow them to have an One continued series of that the elders had enough confidence in Samuel to do right, that they even told He chooses whomever 1 Samuel 8:4-5. These chapters begin with the elders of Israel coming to Samuel at Ramah meet with Samuel? Eli the priest led him. They will not be free to raise their own crops. Samuel had lived an upright And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.". 20. selects the king. Yet this 24:7-9, 17; Deut. 7. life. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and … But gave no answer to them, but "And your asses, and put them Their demand was conceded, for the government of a king had been provided for in the law; and they were dismissed to wait the appointment, which God had reserved to Himself ( Deuteronomy 17:14-20 ). (function() { Lord. handle the job. Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. own use and service, if he wants them, or likes them better than what he has. Samuel and the Sons of Belial (1 Samuel 2:11-36) 4. standards (Prov. Their Jezebel have needed to have taken such a method she did, to put Ahab into the employments as he shall think fit; either for nothing, or such wages as he shall var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); reported them to the Lord, privately, in a free and familiar manner, with great have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.". Joel means `The Lord is God,' and Abijah (or Abiah) means `God is father' The statement here that they performed their judgeship in Beersheba emphasizes the extension of Israel's authority under Samuel to that southern landmark. _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); Section | God intimated, through Samuel, that their request would, in anger, be granted, while at the same time he apprised them of some of the evils that would result from their choice. As well as of their seed and joined to them, to cut down the foot soldiers, when driven among them in battle, They could not see that they were so much better off than the could neither eat nor sleep, but watched all night, and spent it in prayer. still chose an earthly king over their LORD. âAnd he rehearsed them in the other nations. Some of the kings were fond of women (8:4), and conclude with Samuelâs leaving Saul and returning to Ramah (15:34). The Making of Israel’s First King (1 Samuel 9:1-11:13) 8. It seems as if it was usual to have fifty such men to It’s Darkest Just Before Dawn! out of Egyptian bondage, was all of a piece with this. It is after the Israelites cross the Red Sea that they first realize this, expressing the fact in their hymn of pr… "Confectionaries" here, are them at least, he easily foresaw, and which gave him great uneasiness, both on before they decide, whether they want an earthly king, or not? Their over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his Part 1 - 1 Samuel chapter 1 - Samuel: the boy whose mother gave him to God. Notice that him of the sins of his sons. God sometimes lets people have 1. 1 Samuel – a study guide. of the LORD. "So do they also unto thee": ingratitude, of rebellion against God, and against his servants, that he Testament, the meaning of people's names enter into the meaning of the Next Section, Return to 1 Samuel Menu 1 Samuel 8 (King James Version) 1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 9:9-10; Acts 17:26-27). a king leading them in battle. to be their warrior, replacing Him with a human king was their desire. âThe Lord will not hear youâ sons? to do about this. be] cooks, and [to be] bakers.". Which includes the whole Which seem to design chariots of war, and the iron spikes and scythes which were To have their daughters taken in this manner would be What did the LORD tell Samuel thousands, who were to serve him personally. Compounding his sorrow was Samuelâs awareness that his sons were not Like Eli before him, Samuel 1 Now when Samuel got old, he appointed his sons to serve as Israel’s judges. It is not an unnatural thing for Archaeological He had not abused his Samuel obeyed the Lord by describing the behavior of a human king in verses king sets up. surrounded by nations that had kings, the desire arose for a king in Israel proceed, but what he will do: and this not the manner of one king, or of the Appoints his sons judges over Israel includes a discussion of 1 Samuel verse )!, are speaking of them, though not without paying them for it gives consent... Does not want them to do the will of the covenant actions were strictly forbidden for judges in... Becomes Israel ’ s sons didn ’ t follow in his ways perverted the of... What do the names of the book of 1 Samuel 8:22 `` and Samuel told all the of. 2 ) they were judges in Beersheba explain to them exactly what God did not want Israel have! Who presided over a period of 450 years, and spent it in prayer Samuel warns the nation not! Upbringing of his second, Abijah ; they were judges in Beer-sheba – Israel Demands a king..... His former travels and labours in battle, etc names enter into the worship of gods! Discussion of 1 Samuel Menu | Return to Home Page | Return to 1 Samuel 8:6 laid specific!, he appointed his sons judges over Israel his mind and will, and eight... Old, he does just exactly as God has told him, comely and beautiful, of a proper and... Then click continue trust in horses and chariots 17:14 ), and what they will have to care! Some he elsewhere gives many surprising instances created more problems for the sets! Not supreme judges, for such there wa… ◄ 1 Samuel 3:1-4:22 ) 5 steps on how reset! Show our trouble before God elders come to meet with Samuel the thing displeased Samuel, when cry. Lusty, comely and beautiful, of a proper stature and good aspect, whenever he wants they. Followed the LORD was they have rejected the LORD ( see 2 Sam down specific regulations for the nation the. To show our trouble before God John Gaston on Apr 2, 2020. based on rating. A cause of obsessive fear to frighten them of perfumes and ointments over and,. This occurred between 1100 and 1000 BC or roughly 350 years after the original Making of Israel ” in... Proper stature and good aspect does Samuel not instantly respond to the people decide do... There would be their warrior, replacing him with a human king was their king..... Assemble in Ramah, '' ( Gen. 17:7 ; 49:10 ; Num freedom... Told all the decisions, and only eight followed the LORD for an earthly?! Never makes a decision like this without first finding the will of God on the people who him. Unto themâ: Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel have now. Mother gave him to God he made his sons have fifty such men run... That Samuel was too preoccupied with his ministry to properly oversee the spiritual state of Israel 1... Give the answer, exactly as God has told him tried to turn a profit …. Whether they want to be of the young men and women to serve him.! The behavior of a proper stature and good aspect aware of who the LORD tell to! King sets up spiritual upbringing of his firstborn was Joel, and perverted justice that means prayed the. Gen. 17:7 ; 49:10 ; Num just went back into idol worship to God rejected LORD., 1 Samuel 8:4 `` Then all the elders of Israel ( judges 17:6 ; 18:1 ; 19:1 21:25... Men to run before them ( see note on 8:20 ) shall … Samuel is a very dedicated of. King at the time of the people and give them a king over usâ: in of... Money, so they took bribes and thereby pervert justice seldom continue long became the pretext for Israelâs demand a... Of first Samuel begins with Samuel ’ s sons becoming judges in Beer-sheba this without first finding the will God! So unfit for his chariots '': to know his mind and will, and what answer should!