1
Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel.
2
The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba.
3
But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
4
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,
5
and said to him, "Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations."
6
But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." So Samuel prayed to the Lord.
7
And the Lord said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.
8
According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day--with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods--so they are doing to you also.
9
Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them."