That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
That we also may be like all the nations,.... Even though they were slaves, like them; a king they would have, as they had, such was their stupidity. It was their greatest honour and glory, as well as…
Barnes' Notes
Fight our battles - It appears from 1Sa 12:12, that the warlike movements of Nahash had already begun to excite alarm.
Adam Clarke
May judge us - This appears to be a rejection of Samuel.
Go out before us - Be in every respect our head and governor.
And fight our battles - Be the general of our armies.
We have here the starting of a matter perfectly new and surprising, which was the setting up of kingly government in Israel. Perhaps the thing had been often talked of among them by those that were…
Cambridge Bible
that our king may judge us and go out before us The king was to unite the duties of (1) government of the nation in time of peace, and (2) leadership of the army in time of war.
Cross References
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