1. When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges for Israel.
2. His first son was named Joel, and his second son was named Abijah. Joel and Abijah were judges in Beersheba.
3. But Samuel’s sons did not live as he did. They tried to get money dishonestly. They took money secretly to be dishonest in their judging.
4. So all the elders came together and met Samuel at Ramah.
5. They said to him, “You’re old, and your sons don’t live as you do. Give us a king to rule over us like all the other nations.”
6. When the elders said that, Samuel was not pleased. He prayed to the Lord.