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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:7 - 8:7
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Hearken unto the voice of the people; God grants their desire in anger, and for their punishment, as is affirmed, Hos_13:11. Compare Num_22:13,20 Deu 1:22 Psa_77:20.
They have not rejected thee, i.e. not thee only, nor principally; compare Gen_32:28 Exo_16:7 Hos_6:6 Mat_10:20; but this injury and contumely reflects chiefly upon me and my government,
that I should not reign over them, to wit, by my immediate and peculiar government, which was the great honour, safety, and happiness of his people, if they had had wit to know it, or hearts to prize it. And all the infelicities of Israel, under this kind of government, did not proceed from the nature of the government, but from the ungovernableness and wickedness of the people, which, they might be sure, would produce the same or greater calamities under their kingly government.
Quest. First, Did not God reign over them when they had kings?
Answ. Yes, in a general way, but not in such a peculiar manner as he did by the judges, who were generally raised and called by God’s particular appointment, endowed and sanctified by his Spirit, directed and assisted by his special providence upon all emergencies; whereas all things were for the most part contrary in their kings.
Quest. Secondly, Was it simply unlawful for the people to desire a king?
Answ. No, as appears from Deu_17:14; but herein was their sin, that they desired it upon sinful grounds, of which see on 1Sa_8:7, and in an impetuous manner, and at an unseasonable time, and without asking leave or advice from God; which in so weighty and difficult a case they could not neglect without great sin.