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So the elders of Israel gathered and came to Ramah to tell Samuel.

Elders: You have grown old, Samuel, and your sons do not administer justice the way that you did. Before things worsen, appoint a king to rule us, as other nations have.

This request—“appoint a king to rule us”—bothered Samuel, so he prayed to the Eternal One

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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