And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And said unto him, behold, thou art old,.... See Sa1 8:1, his age was no reproach to him, nor was it becoming them to upbraid him with it; nor was it a reason why he should be removed from his office,…
Adam Clarke
Make us a king - Hitherto, from the time in which they were a people, the Israelites were under a theocracy, they had no other king but God. Now they desire to have a king like the other nations…
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
make us a king Lit. set, i.e. appoint, the same word as in the corresponding passage, Deu 17:14.
like all the nations i.e. as all the surrounding nations have kings.
Cross References
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