1 Samuel 8:1-4

Israel Seeks a King

8:1 In his old age Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel. 8:2 The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second son was Abijah. They were judges in Beer Sheba. 8:3 But his sons did not follow his ways. Instead, they made money dishonestly, accepted bribes, and perverted justice.

8:4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and approached Samuel at Ramah.


tn Heb “walk in” (also in v. 5).

tn Heb “and they turned aside after unjust gain and took bribes and perverted justice.”