1 Samuel 8:20

So that we may be like the other nations, and so that our king may be our judge and go out before us to war.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

In Context

19But the people gave no attention to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No, but we will have a king over us,

21Then Samuel, after hearing all the people had to say, went and gave an account of it to the Lord.

Read all of 1 Samuel 8

Cross References

Exodus 33:16For is not the fact of your going with us the sign that I and this people have grace in your eyes, so that we, that is, I and your people, are separate from all other people on the face of the earth?

Numbers 23:9From the top of the rocks I see him, looking down on him from the hills: it is a people made separate, not to be numbered among the nations.

1 Samuel 8:5And said to him, See now, you are old, and your sons do not go in your ways: give us a king now to be our judge, so that we may be like the other nations.

Psalms 106:35But they were joined to the nations, learning their works.

Romans 12:12Being glad in hope, quiet in trouble, at all times given to prayer,

Philippians 3:20For our country is in heaven; from where the Saviour for whom we are waiting will come, even the Lord Jesus Christ:

Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 8:5-22

The People Desire a King; God's Answer to Israel; The People Insist on Having a King. ( b. c. 1075.) 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord . 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Samuel 8:20