When Samuel became old, he placed his sons as judges over Israel. His first son was named Joel, and the second was Abijah, and they carried out their duties in Beersheba.
But these young men did not follow the ways of their father. Their hearts drifted toward greed, and they began to accept bribes, twisting justice for their own gain.
Because of this, the elders of Israel gathered and came to Samuel at Ramah. They spoke plainly to him, saying, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your path. Appoint for us a king to judge us, just like the nations around us." Their request troubled Samuel deeply, and he took the matter before the Lord in prayer.
The Lord answered him, saying, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they ask. It is not you they have rejected, but Me. From the day I brought them out of Egypt, they have continually abandoned Me and followed other gods. Now they treat you the same way. Listen to them, but warn them seriously. Show them clearly what a king will demand."
So Samuel spoke all the words of the Lord to the people who asked for a king. He told them, "This is what the king who rules over you will do. He will claim your sons and assign them to his chariots and horses, and they will run ahead of him in battle. Some he will place as commanders over troops; others he will send to plow his fields and harvest his grain; still others will forge weapons and equipment for his armies.
He will take your daughters and set them to work as perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will seize the finest parts of your fields, vineyards, and olive groves and give them to his officials. He will claim a tenth of your produce and hand it over to his servants. He will take your male and female servants, the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his use. He will claim a tenth of your flocks, and soon you yourselves will become his slaves.
And when that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you insisted on having, but the Lord will not answer in that time."
But the people would not listen. They stood their ground and said, "No. We want a king over us. We want to be like the nations around us. We want a king who will lead us, go before us, and fight our battles."
Samuel heard their words and brought them again before the Lord. And the Lord said, "Listen to them, and give them a king." Then Samuel dismissed the people, saying, "Each of you, return to your own town."