Israel Asks for a King

81 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel's leaders.[1]

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 8:1

King James Version

Israel Asks for a King

81 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

English Standard Version

Israel Asks for a King

81 When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel.

The Message

Israel Asks for a King

81 When Samuel got to be an old man, he set his sons up as judges in Israel.

New King James Version

Israel Asks for a King

81 Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel.

New Living Translation

Israel Asks for a King

81 As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:1

Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:1-3

(Read 1 Samuel 8:1-3)

It does not appear that Samuel's sons were so profane and vicious as Eli's sons; but they were corrupt judges, they turned aside after lucre. Samuel took no bribes, but his sons did, and then they perverted judgment. What added to the grievance of the people was, that they were threatened by an invasion from Nahash, king of the Ammonites.