King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 8:9 Mean?

“Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. hearken: or, obey howbeit: or, notwithstanding when thou hast solemnly protested against them then thou shalt”

Context

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. hearken: or, obey howbeit: or, notwithstanding when thou hast solemnly protested against them then thou shalt

And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.

And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother's house--**In Eastern countries women occupy apartments separate from those of men, and daughters are most frequently in those of their mother. **the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead--**that is, with my sons, your husbands, while they lived.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 8:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.