1 Samuel 8:19
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֔ם
Nevertheless the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
Nevertheless the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ
to obey
H8085
לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ
to obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לֹּ֔א
H3808
לֹּ֔א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
9 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Historical Context
The assembly's collective decision-making reflects Israelite tribal governance where elders represented their communities. The emphatic rejection despite clear warning demonstrates the limitations of prophetic persuasion when hearts are determined. This scene would be remembered as a paradigm of national apostasy (Hosea 13:10-11).
Questions for Reflection
- What warnings from God's Word are you tempted to acknowledge intellectually but refuse practically?
- How does the phrase "we will have" reveal the deeper spiritual issue of autonomous self-will versus submission to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
The Hebrew "vayma'anu" (they refused) conveys stubborn rejection—the same verb used of Pharaoh hardening his heart. Despite the comprehensive warning, the people's determination remains unchanged. The phrase "obey the voice" ("lishmo'a beqol") echoes covenant language throughout Deuteronomy, where Israel is repeatedly called to hear and obey God's voice. But now they refuse Samuel's voice, which has faithfully transmitted God's word. Their response "Nay" (Hebrew "lo'," emphatic no) directly contradicts divine counsel. The emphatic "we will have" ("yihyeh-lanu") expresses determined will, not mere preference. This collective decision demonstrates how human autonomy, when set against divine wisdom, leads to self-destructive choices. The people heard the warning, understood the consequences, and chose bondage anyway. This pattern—clear warning, willful rejection, inevitable consequence—runs throughout Scripture as the tragic arc of human rebellion against divine love.