So all the elders of Israel gathered together and went to Samuel at Ramah.(A) They said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not follow your example. Therefore, appoint a king to judge us the same as all the other nations have.”(B)

When they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” Samuel considered their demand sinful, so he prayed to the Lord.

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So all the elders(A) of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.(B) They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king(C) to lead[a](D) us, such as all the other nations(E) have.”

But when they said, “Give us a king(F) to lead us,” this displeased(G) Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 8:5 Traditionally judge; also in verses 6 and 20