King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 8:22 Mean?

1 Samuel 8:22 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.”

1 Samuel 8:22 · King James Version

Context

20

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.

21

And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.

22

And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.

God's final response reveals the mystery of divine sovereignty operating through human freedom. The repeated command "hearken unto their voice" (now the third time—verses 7, 9, 22) grants the people's request while neither approving nor endorsing it. God permits what He does not prefer, allowing Israel to experience the consequences of their choice. This represents what theologians call God's "permissive will"—distinct from His "perfect will" but still within His sovereign plan. Remarkably, the phrase "make them a king" uses the same Hebrew verb ("malak") that could mean "cause to reign"—God remains the one who ultimately establishes kings (Daniel 2:21). Samuel's dismissal, "Go every man unto his city," postpones the selection process, giving space before irreversible action. The narrative thus shows God working redemptively even through Israel's rebellion—the monarchy they wrongly demanded will eventually produce the Davidic covenant and the messianic hope that culminates in Christ, the true King.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The dismissal to their cities suggests a waiting period before king-making, perhaps allowing for reflection or practical preparations. The actual selection of Saul occurs in chapter 9-10 through a combination of providential encounter and public lot-casting. God's accommodation of the request while maintaining ultimate sovereignty reflects His consistent pattern throughout Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's permissive versus perfect will help you process difficult circumstances in your own life?
  2. What does God's willingness to work through Israel's flawed choice teach about His redemptive purposes?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 17

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵל֙4 of 17

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

שְׁמַ֣ע5 of 17

“Hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקוֹלָ֔ם6 of 17

“unto their voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְהִמְלַכְתָּ֥7 of 17

“and make”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

לָהֶ֖ם8 of 17
H0
מֶ֑לֶךְ9 of 17

“them a king”

H4428

a king

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר10 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙11 of 17

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֥ישׁ13 of 17

“ye every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל14 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְכ֖וּ15 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אִ֥ישׁ16 of 17

“ye every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְעִירֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“unto his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 8:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 8:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 8:7Hosea 13:11

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