1 Samuel 8

1 Samuel 8:1

WAs old] That is, so old, that by reason of age and weaknesse, he was not able to go his circuit as he was accustomed unto the uttermost prts of the land to administer justice to all the people.

his sons judges] That is, substitutes and assistants to him, himself still retaining the chief power of judicature in his own hand.

1 Samuel 8:2

Joel] Called also Vashni, 1 Chron. 6. 28. and father of Heman often mentioned in the Scripture as a chief master of the singers, and also a penner ef the 88 Psalm, 1 Kin. 4. 31. 1 Chron, 25. 1.

Beer-sheba] See Judges 20:1.

1 Samuel 8:3

walked not in his ways] That is, d not imitate their fathers justice and equity n their government.

took bribes] Deuteronomy 16:19.

1 Samuel 8:5

make us a king] Hosea 13:10. Acts 13:21.

to judge us] That is, to rule over s with regall authority.

1 Samuel 8:6

displeased Samuel] Hebr. was evil in the eyes of Samuel. To wit, because herein they rejected Gods government who was their king, having in his own hand the regall rights, and did substitute under him judges, whom he extraordinarily called, fitted them with gifts, and inspired them with his Spirit, v. 7. Chap. 12. 17, 19.

and Samuel prayed] To wit, for direction from God what to do, and how to demean himself in this case.

1 Samuel 8:7

Hearken unto the voyce] That is, seeing they will need have a king, let them have him at their own perill: for the LORD condescended to their suit in his just anger, as it is Hosea 13:11.

not rejected thee] That is, not so much thee, who art but my minister, as my self; who, being chief king, rule by thee.

that I should not reign] That is, keeping still in my own hand the regall rights, and appointing what governours and government I please.

1 Samuel 8:9

the manner of the king] That is, not what they ought to do in right, but what they use to do in fact, and how they commonly demean themselves in their government, contrary to Gods law, Deuteronomy 17. 15. and the laws of the kingdom. See Chap. 10. 26.

1 Samuel 8:11

take your sons] That is, according to his own pleasure, whether you like it or no.

1 Samuel 8:12

instruments of war] That is, he will make them his smiths, carpenters and chariot-makers.

1 Samuel 8:15

officers] Heb. euchs.

1 Samuel 8:17

be his servants] That is, ye shall be brought into the greatest servitude.

1 Samuel 8:18

because of your king] That is, because of that tyranny and oppression which he will exercise over you.

1 Samuel 8:19

Nay but we will] That is, notwithstanding all thy disswasions, we stand firm in our resolution to have a king.

1 Samuel 8:20

may judge us] That is, govern and rule us according to his laws.

go out before us] That is, be our Generall in the wars.

1 Samuel 8:21

and he rehearsed them] That is, asking counsell of him what he should further do.

1 Samuel 8:22

Go ye every man] That is, depart for the present to your own homes, and in the mean while I will better consider of the matter, and ask counsell of God what is to be done for the satisfying your desires, and how it may be best effected.