Keraia
1 Samuel 8

1 Samuel 8:18

Samuel’s Warning · 1 Samuel 8:10–18
Read 1 Samuel 8

Translations

Modern
When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.”
Traditional
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.
Literal
And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and YHWH will not answer you in that day.”
Latin
Et clamabitis in die illa a facie regis vestri, quem elegistis vobis: et non exaudiet vos Dominus in die illa, quia petistis vobis regem.

Original

Hebrew
English
When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.”

Notes

1 Samuel 8:18

The people would plead for relief, just like their ancestors did in Egypt under a harsh ruler (see Exodus 3:7).

1 Samuel 8:10–18

These verses explain why being a king has downsides. Each sentence describes something the king would take. A king would seize things, not just protect them.

1 Samuel 8:1–12:25

When Israel was changing to a monarchy (rule by kings), neither God (1 Samuel 8:7–9) nor Samuel (1 Samuel 12:1–25) liked the people's request for a king. Saul, the first king (1 Samuel 9–11), did not succeed in his role (1 Samuel 13–31) and proved Samuel's warnings true (see 1 Samuel 8:10–18; compare 1 Samuel 16:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Samuel Kingship

Glossary

History of Israel Riches Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Theocracy

Topics

Government: Mosaic: Chose, or Ratified, the Chief Ruler Israel: Under the Judges: They Demand a King Kings: Israel Warned Against Seeking Monarchy: Described by Samuel Rulers: Wicked Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests