1st Samuel Chapter 8 verse 19 Holy Bible
But the people refused to hearken unto the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay: but we will have a king over us,
read chapter 8 in ASV
But the people gave no attention to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No, but we will have a king over us,
read chapter 8 in BBE
And the people refused to hearken to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No, but there shall be a king over us,
read chapter 8 in DARBY
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
read chapter 8 in KJV
Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, No; but we will have a king over us;
read chapter 8 in WBT
But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No: but we will have a king over us,
read chapter 8 in WEB
And the people refuse to hearken to the voice of Samuel, and say, `Nay, but a king is over us,
read chapter 8 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerses 19, 20. - The people refused to obey - literally, to hearken to - the voice of Samuel. The words of Samuel were no doubt formally considered by the elders, and we may be sure that there would not be wanting men to urge attention and obedience to his warning; but when the decision had to be made, whether by vote or acclamation, the majority persisted in their choice, and for a reason which completely justified Samuel's displeasure; for they say - That we also may be like all the nations. Their wish was not to develop and perfect their own institutions, but to revolt from them, and escape from the rigour of the Mosaic law. It is remarkable that their nearest neighbours and most inveterate enemies, the Philistines, had no king, but an oligarchy of five princes. Probably it had been argued, in the assembly of the elders, that if the whole power of Israel were gathered into one hand it would be more than a match for the Philistines, whose energy must often have been diminished by discords among its rulers. That our king may judge - i.e. govern (1 Samuel 7:17) - us, and fight our battles. Here the people had reason on their side. Both the internal administration of justice and the defence of the country would be better managed under a permanent and regular authority than under the judges, whose rule was extemporised to meet difficulties, and had no inherent stability.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(19) The people refused.--The warning words of the prophet-judge were evidently carefully considered and debated in a formal assembly, but the majority at least abided by the terms of their request.
