1 Samuel 8:1-5 ▼

1 When Samuel (his name is El) grew old, he appointed his sons as judges (governors) over Israel (he wrestles with God).

2 The name of his firstborn son was Joel (YHWH is God), and the name of his second was Abijah (YHWH is my father). They were judges in Beersheba (well of seven).

3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

4 So all the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God) gathered together and came to Samuel (his name is El) at Ramah (hill).

5 “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.”