1 Samuel 8:8

KJV

According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to all the works {H4639} which they have done {H6213} since the day {H3117} that I brought them up {H5927} out of Egypt {H4714} even unto this day {H3117}, wherewith they have forsaken {H5800} me, and served {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, so do {H6213} they also unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are doing to you exactly what they have been doing to me, from the day I brought them out of Egypt until today, by abandoning me and serving other gods.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.

American Standard Version

According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, in that they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 8:8, God speaks directly to Samuel, assuring him that Israel's demand for a human king is not a personal slight against the prophet, but rather a continuation of their long-standing pattern of rebellion against divine authority. From the moment of their deliverance from Egypt, the people of Israel have consistently forsaken the Lord and pursued other gods, a historical trajectory of unfaithfulness that now culminates in their rejection of God's direct rule in favor of a visible, earthly monarch. This verse underscores the deep-seated human tendency to prefer tangible, human leadership over unseen divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is God's direct response to Samuel's distress over Israel's elders demanding a king "like all the nations" [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King"). Samuel, having faithfully served as judge and prophet, felt personally rejected by this request. God immediately reassures Samuel in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Comfort to Samuel") that the people have not rejected Samuel, but rather have rejected *Him* as their King. Verse 8 elaborates on this rejection by placing it within the broader historical narrative of Israel's consistent apostasy. It sets the stage for the reluctant anointing of Saul as Israel's first king, marking a pivotal transition from a theocratic system under judges to a monarchy, driven by the people's desire for a visible, human leader rather than continued reliance on divine guidance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The desire for a king "like all the nations" reflects the political landscape of the Ancient Near East (ANE), where monarchies were the prevalent form of governance. Surrounding nations like the Philistines, Ammonites, and Moabites all had kings, who often served as military leaders and central figures of national identity. Israel, however, was uniquely established as a theocracy, with God Himself as their King, mediated through judges and prophets. Their demand for a king was thus a profound cultural assimilation, a rejection of their distinct covenantal identity and a preference for human security and visible leadership over divine provision and unseen sovereignty. This desire was likely fueled by the perceived instability under the judges and the threat from external enemies.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several enduring themes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Persistent Rebellion**, demonstrating Israel's consistent history of spiritual unfaithfulness, tracing it back to their miraculous liberation from Egypt. This pattern of turning away from God is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, particularly evident in the cyclical apostasy described in the [book of Judges](/judges/2 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance"). Secondly, it underscores the **Rejection of Divine Authority**, as the demand for a human king is framed by God as a direct repudiation of His sovereignty. They preferred a tangible, human leader over the invisible, divine King who had faithfully led and provided for them, revealing a deep-seated human tendency to seek human solutions over divine wisdom. Finally, the phrase "forsaken me, and served other gods" directly links their current request to their historical engagement in **Idolatry and Misplaced Trust**. Their desire for a king mirrors their past tendencies to seek security and guidance from sources other than the true God, showcasing a fundamental issue of misplaced trust, a direct violation of the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʿazav_):** This verb implies a deliberate and intentional abandonment, a breaking of relationship or covenant. It is not merely a passive drifting away but an active turning away from a previously established bond. In this context, it emphasizes the conscious choice Israel made throughout its history to turn away from God's covenant and His exclusive claim on their worship and loyalty.
* **served (Hebrew, _ʿavad_):** This word denotes active service, worship, or labor. When applied to "other gods," it signifies a conscious and active devotion to pagan deities, involving rituals, sacrifices, and a reliance on their supposed power. This highlights the active nature of Israel's idolatry, not just a passive neglect of Yahweh, but an energetic pursuit of false gods.
* **other gods (Hebrew, _ʾelohim ʾaḥerim_):** This phrase refers to the foreign deities of the surrounding nations, which Israel frequently adopted and worshipped. The worship of these "other gods" was a direct violation of the foundational covenant command for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, as articulated in the [Decalogue](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). It represents a fundamental breach of trust and loyalty to the God who delivered them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day":** This clause establishes a historical precedent for Israel's current rebellion. God recounts their entire history from the Exodus, emphasizing that their present demand for a king is not an isolated incident but part of a consistent, long-standing pattern of behavior. The "works" refer to their actions, specifically their acts of disobedience and unfaithfulness, demonstrating a deep-rooted inclination away from God's will.
* **"wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods":** This specifies the nature of those "works." The core of their rebellion has been the abandonment of Yahweh, their covenant God, and the active worship of pagan deities. This highlights the spiritual dimension of their unfaithfulness, linking their desire for a human king directly to their history of idolatry and covenant breaking. It reveals a fundamental issue of misplaced trust and allegiance.
* **"so do they also unto thee":** This final clause provides the comforting assurance to Samuel. God draws a direct parallel between Israel's historical rejection of Him and their current rejection of Samuel's leadership. It clarifies that Samuel's distress, stemming from a perceived personal slight, is actually a reflection of Israel's deeper, persistent rejection of God's direct rule. Their actions towards Samuel are merely an extension of their long-standing pattern of forsaking God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the direct comparison drawn between Israel's past actions and their present behavior ("According to all the works... so do they also unto thee"), emphasizing the continuity of their unfaithfulness. This creates a sense of historical inevitability, highlighting a deep-seated characteristic of the nation. **Repetition** of the theme of "forsaking God" and "serving other gods" (implied through the historical reference) serves to underscore the gravity and consistency of Israel's rebellion. The phrase "from the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day" functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the entirety of Israel's history and emphasizing the pervasive nature of their apostasy across generations. Furthermore, God's speaking of being "forsaken" is a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions and experiences to God, making His disappointment and the severity of Israel's actions more relatable and impactful to Samuel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty versus human autonomy, and the persistent human tendency towards idolatry. It reveals God's deep knowledge of His people's hearts and their historical inclination to reject His perfect rule in favor of what seems more tangible or aligned with worldly norms. The demand for a king, framed by God as a rejection of Himself, highlights the core issue of trust: will Israel trust in the unseen, faithful God who delivered them, or in a visible, human leader "like all the nations"? This choice underscores the ongoing tension between covenant faithfulness and the allure of worldly conformity, a tension that permeates the entire biblical narrative. It also sets the stage for the complex history of the Israelite monarchy, which, despite God's initial disapproval, would ultimately be used by Him to bring about His redemptive purposes, culminating in the true King, Jesus Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 31:16](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16 - Israel's Future Apostasy Predicted")
* [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - The Cycle of Apostasy")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel Forsakes God for Broken Cisterns")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 8:8 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the human heart's persistent struggle with trust and submission to divine authority. Just as ancient Israel preferred a visible king over the invisible God, we too are often tempted to place our trust in tangible solutions—worldly systems, personal ambition, material security, or popular opinion—rather than fully submitting to God's wise and loving rule. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination: are we, like Israel, seeking "kings" in our lives that promise security or acceptance, but ultimately distract us from our true King? Recognizing and repenting of these recurring patterns of mistrust or disobedience is crucial for spiritual growth. True security and fulfillment are found not in conforming to the world's standards, but in unwavering faithfulness to God, allowing His unseen hand to guide and provide, even when His ways seem counter-intuitive to human wisdom. Our transformation comes from renewing our minds to His truth, not from conforming to the patterns of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek human solutions or worldly security over God's divine guidance and provision?**
* **How do I recognize and repent of recurring patterns of mistrust or disobedience in my own walk with God, especially when I prioritize my desires over His commands?**
* **What "other gods" or idols (e.g., success, comfort, approval, self-reliance) might I be serving that subtly divert my devotion and trust away from the true God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's unseen sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain?**

### FAQ

**Why was Israel's request for a king seen as a rejection of God?**

Answer: Israel's request for a king was seen as a rejection of God because it was a desire to be "like all the nations" [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King"), rather than embracing their unique identity as a theocracy where God Himself was their direct ruler. They sought a visible, human leader for security and stability, effectively preferring human management over divine governance. This demonstrated a lack of trust in God's ability to lead and protect them, and a desire to conform to the world's standards, which God interpreted as a direct repudiation of His kingship over them [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Samuel").

**How does this verse relate to the broader history of Israel's relationship with God?**

Answer: This verse explicitly states that Israel's current demand for a king is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a long-standing pattern of rebellion. God reminds Samuel that "since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day," they have consistently "forsaken me, and served other gods." This connects the immediate context of the monarchy's establishment to the entire narrative of the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the period of the Judges, all marked by cycles of God's faithfulness and Israel's apostasy, idolatry, and disobedience (e.g., [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - The Cycle of Apostasy")). It highlights a deep-seated spiritual issue within the nation.

**Did God approve of the monarchy in the long run?**

Answer: While God initially expressed disapproval of Israel's *motive* for desiring a king (as a rejection of Him), He did not ultimately forbid the establishment of a monarchy. In fact, the concept of a king was part of God's plan from early on (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kings")). God allowed the monarchy to be established, even choosing Saul and later David, and used it as a vehicle for His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the messianic line. The issue was not kingship itself, but Israel's desire for a king *like the nations*, driven by a lack of faith and a rejection of God's direct rule, rather than a desire for a king who would faithfully lead them according to God's law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical pattern of Israel's rejection of God's direct rule, culminating in their demand for a human king in 1 Samuel 8:8, finds its ultimate and most tragic fulfillment in the world's rejection of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. Just as Israel desired a visible, earthly king "like all the nations," they later rejected the spiritual, divine King who came not with worldly pomp but in humble servanthood. The prophet John laments that "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him" [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"). The cry of the people in Jesus' day, "We have no king but Caesar!" [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - We Have No King But Caesar!") or "We will not have this man to reign over us" [Luke 19:14](/luke/19-14 "Luke 19:14 - We Will Not Have This Man to Reign Over Us"), echoes the ancient rejection of God's direct rule. Yet, through this very rejection and the subsequent crucifixion, God's ultimate plan for a perfect King was realized. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the King who reigns not by human might but by divine sacrifice, establishing a kingdom not of this world [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World"). He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") whom Israel longed for, and the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") who will ultimately reign forever, establishing a new covenant where His law is written on hearts [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant"), fulfilling the very divine rule Israel once rejected.

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

Exodus 32:1

¶ And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Psalms 106:34

¶ They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:

Psalms 106:40

Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

Exodus 16:3

And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Judges 4:1

¶ And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

Numbers 16:41

¶ But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 9:24

Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.