Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 8

Verse 1

old. From 1 Samuel 28:3 he predeceased Saul by about two years. Consequently he acted for thirty-eight years after Saul's anointing (i.e. 1000-962 B.C.) When he anointed David he would be about eighty-six; and lived to about the age of Eli, ninety-eight years.

Verse 3

turned aside, &c.: i.e. stooped to extortion. took bribes: contrary to Deuteronomy 16:19 .

Verse 5

Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

make us a king . Compare Hosea 13:10 , Hosea 13:11 .Acts 13:20 , Acts 13:21 . Note the words "gave judges "and "desired a king". The Hebrew monarchy thus began with the choosing of Saul, and ended with the choosing of Caesar.

Verse 6

displeased = was evil in the eyes of: i.e. evil, in not waiting for God's time and for God's king, as promised. Genesis 17:6 , Genesis 17:16 ; Genesis 35:11 ; Genesis 49:10 . Numbers 24:17 . Deuteronomy 17:14-20 .

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Verse 11

This will be , &c. Fulfilled, 1Sa 14:62 .

Verse 12

ear = plough (Anglo-Saxon, erian).

Verse 15

your vineyards . Compare 1 Kings 21:7 .

Verse 16

young men . Septuagint reads "oxen".

Verse 18

hear = answer.

Verse 21

the ears . Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

Verse 22

men. Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

man . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .