1 Samuel 8:7

KJV

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Samuel {H8050}, Hearken {H8085} unto the voice {H6963} of the people {H5971} in all that they say {H559} unto thee: for they have not rejected {H3988} thee, but they have rejected {H3988} me, that I should not reign {H4427} over them.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Sh'mu'el, "Listen to the people, to everything they say to you; for it is not you they are rejecting; they are rejecting me; they don't want me to be king over them.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 8:7 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the Lord clarifies to Samuel the profound nature of the people's demand for a human king. While Samuel perceived their request as a personal slight against his leadership, God reveals that their true rejection was not of His prophet, but of God Himself, signifying their desire to depose Him from His unique and direct reign over them as their sovereign King. This verse underscores the gravity of Israel's choice to conform to the nations around them rather than trusting in God's distinct divine governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical transition point in the book of [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), specifically within the narrative of Israel's demand for a king. Samuel, now old, has appointed his sons, Joel and Abiah, as judges, but they have proven corrupt, perverting justice and taking bribes ([1 Samuel 8:1-3](/1-samuel/8-1 "1 Samuel 8:1-3 - Samuel's Corrupt Sons")). Faced with this leadership vacuum and the perceived instability, the elders of Israel gather and approach Samuel, explicitly demanding a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1-samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - The People's Demand for a King")). Samuel is deeply distressed by their request, viewing it as a personal rejection of his lifelong service and the divinely ordained system of judges. It is in response to Samuel's distress and prayer that the Lord speaks the words of [1 Samuel 8:7](/1-samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King"), reorienting Samuel's understanding of the situation and revealing the true spiritual significance of the people's demand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Israel had existed as a unique theocracy, where God was understood to be their direct King, ruling through His law, prophets, and judges. This contrasted sharply with the surrounding nations, which were typically governed by human monarchs. The demand for a king in [1 Samuel 8](/1-samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King") reflects a desire to conform to the prevailing political structures of the ancient Near East. The people sought a visible, tangible leader who could lead them in battle and provide stability, much like the kings of the Philistines, Ammonites, and other neighboring kingdoms. This desire stemmed from a lack of faith in God's invisible yet active rule and a preference for human institutions over divine provision, despite God's repeated deliverances and covenant faithfulness since their exodus from [Egypt](/exodus/15-18 "Exodus 15:18 - The Lord Shall Reign Forever").
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 Samuel 8:7](/1-samuel/8-7 "God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King") is the **rejection of divine kingship**. Israel's demand for a human king is explicitly stated by God as a rejection of His own rule over them. This highlights the tension between human autonomy and divine sovereignty, where the people choose to rely on human systems rather than God's perfect plan. Another crucial theme is **God's patient condescension and unwavering sovereignty**. Despite their rebellious desire, God instructs Samuel to "hearken unto the voice of the people," demonstrating His willingness to grant their request, even if it is not His ideal will, while simultaneously warning them of the dire consequences of such a choice ([1 Samuel 8:11-18](/1-samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-18 - Samuel's Warning about a King")). This also serves as **Samuel's vindication**, as the Lord assures him that the rejection is not personal but directed at God Himself, providing comfort and clarity to the distressed prophet.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejected (Hebrew, _ma'as'_):** This verb (מָאַס) carries a strong connotation of despising, abhorring, or casting off. It is not merely a light dismissal or a change of preference, but a deliberate act of contempt and repudiation. When God states that Israel has "rejected" Him, it indicates a profound and intentional turning away from His authority and a deep-seated disdain for His unique form of governance. This word emphasizes the gravity and spiritual severity of their choice.
* **Reign (Hebrew, _malakh'_):** The verb (מָלַךְ) means "to be king," "to rule," or "to reign." It signifies the exercise of sovereign power and authority. When God says Israel rejected Him "that I should not reign over them," it directly addresses His unique role as Israel's ultimate sovereign. From the exodus onward, God had been their King, delivering them, providing for them, and establishing their laws. Their demand for a human king was a direct challenge to this established divine order, an attempt to remove God from His rightful position as the active, governing monarch of their nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee:"** This opening clause reveals God's direct instruction to Samuel, who was distressed by the people's request. The command "Hearken unto the voice" signifies that Samuel is to comply with their demand. This is a remarkable demonstration of God's patient condescension, allowing His people to pursue a path that is not His ideal will, yet still within the bounds of His ultimate sovereignty. It also sets the stage for the subsequent warnings about the nature of human kingship.
* **"for they have not rejected thee,"** Here, God offers immediate comfort and vindication to Samuel. Samuel had undoubtedly felt personally slighted and devalued by the people's desire for a new leader. God clarifies that the core issue is not Samuel's performance or integrity, but a deeper spiritual rebellion. This assurance frees Samuel from personal offense and enables him to proceed with God's instructions with a proper perspective.
* **"but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."** This is the pivotal declaration, revealing the true spiritual nature of Israel's request. Their desire for a human king was, at its heart, a profound rejection of God's unique kingship over them. For centuries, God had been their invisible yet active ruler, guiding them, protecting them, and providing their laws. By seeking a king "like all the nations," they were attempting to depose God from His rightful throne as their ultimate sovereign, preferring a visible, human authority over the divine and perfect rule of their Creator and Deliverer. This statement underscores the gravity of their choice and its implications for their covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "that I should not reign over them," attributing to God the human characteristic of reigning as a king, making His sovereignty relatable and emphasizing the personal nature of Israel's rejection. There is also a powerful use of **Contrast**, as God explicitly contrasts the people's perceived rejection of Samuel with their actual rejection of Himself. This highlights the spiritual depth of their transgression. Furthermore, the passage carries a strong sense of **Irony**: in seeking a king to provide security and stability "like all the nations," Israel was ironically rejecting the very source of their true security and unique identity, their divine King. This act of rejection also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future struggles and failures that would characterize the human monarchy in Israel, many of whom would lead the people further away from God's perfect rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in 1 Samuel 8:7—that Israel's demand for a human king constituted a rejection of God's direct reign—resonates deeply with broader biblical theology concerning God's sovereignty and humanity's propensity for rebellion. It underscores the inherent tension between God's perfect will and humanity's desire for self-governance and conformity to worldly standards. This moment marks a significant shift in Israel's history, moving from a direct theocracy to a monarchy, yet it simultaneously highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even as He allows them to experience the consequences of their choices. The verse serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing human systems, visible leadership, or worldly conformity over trusting in God's unseen yet perfect rule. Ultimately, it points to the enduring truth that God alone is the rightful King, and any attempt to displace Him from that position, whether individually or corporately, is an act of spiritual rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning a King")
* [Hosea 13:11](/hosea/13-11 "Hosea 13:11 - God Gives a King in Anger")
* [Psalm 10:16](/psalm/10-16 "Psalm 10:16 - The Lord is King Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 8:7 offers a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging us to discern where we might, subtly or overtly, be rejecting God's reign in our own lives. In a world that constantly pressures us to conform to its values, systems, and definitions of success or security, it is easy to seek human solutions or worldly validation over divine wisdom and guidance. This passage calls us to consider whether our desires to "be like others" or to rely on our own strength and strategies might, at their core, be displacing God from His rightful position as our ultimate authority and provider. True security and flourishing are found not in mimicking the world, but in wholeheartedly trusting God's perfect plan and allowing Him to reign supreme in every area of our lives, from our personal decisions to our communal pursuits. It encourages a posture of humble submission, recognizing that God's ways are always higher and more beneficial than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly rejecting God's reign, preferring my own control or worldly solutions?**
* **What "kings" or systems do I look to for security, identity, or provision, instead of fully trusting in God?**
* **How does my desire to "be like others" or to fit in with cultural norms sometimes compromise my commitment to God's unique call on my life?**
* **What does it truly mean for God to "reign" in my daily life, and how can I more intentionally yield to His authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Israel to have a king if it was a rejection of Him?**

Answer: God, in His sovereign patience and condescension, allowed Israel to have a human king despite their request being a rejection of His direct rule. This demonstrates that while God has a perfect will, He also permits human choices, even those that go against His ideal, to unfold. However, this permission was not without consequences. God immediately instructed Samuel to warn the people of the burdens and oppressions that a human king would impose ([1 Samuel 8:9-18](/1-samuel/8-9 "1 Samuel 8:9-18 - Samuel's Warning about a King")). This act of allowing their choice, while warning them of its implications, showcases God's justice and His commitment to letting His people learn through experience, ultimately pointing them back to their need for His perfect kingship. It also highlights His long-suffering love, providing a path for His redemptive plan to continue through the lineage of kings, which would eventually lead to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Israel's rejection of God's kingship in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1-samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King") finds its ultimate and tragic fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Israel rejected their invisible, divine King for a visible, human one, so too did humanity, and particularly God's chosen people, reject the true and perfect King when He came in the flesh. Jesus, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), was the embodiment of God's reign, the one through whom God truly intended to rule His people and the nations. Yet, He was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected")), with His own people crying out, "[We have no king but Caesar!](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - We Have No King But Caesar!")" and crucifying Him. This profound rejection of the divine King, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), underscores humanity's deep-seated rebellion against God's rightful authority. However, in His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was vindicated and enthroned as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly monarchies and inviting all who believe to willingly submit to His perfect and eternal reign ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Thus, Israel's ancient rejection foreshadows the world's rejection of its true sovereign, but also points to the glorious truth that God's reign ultimately triumphs in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 10:19

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.

Exodus 16:8

And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.

Luke 19:27

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Luke 19:14

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

Hosea 13:10

I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Hosea 13:11

I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.