1 Samuel 8  Chapter 8  Things went so very well with Israel, in
the chapter before, under Samuel’s administration, that,
methinks, it is a pity to find him so quickly, as we do in this
chapter, old, and going off, and things working towards a
revolution. But so it is; Israel’s good days seldom continue
long. We have here, I. Samuel decaying (v. 1). II. His sons
degenerating (v. 2, v. 3). III. Israel discontented with the
present government and anxious to see a change. For 1. They
petition Samuel to set a king over them (v. 4, v. 5). Samuel
brings the matter to God (v. 6). God directs him what answer to
give them, by way of reproof (v. 7, v. 8), and by way of
remonstrance, setting forth the consequences of a change of the
government, and how uneasy they would soon be under it
(v. 9-18). They insist upon their petition (v. 19, v. 20).
Samuel promises them, from God, that they shall shortly be
gratified (v. 21, v. 22). Thus hard is it for people to know
when they are well off.    Read 1 Samuel 8