1. And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
2. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah: they were judges in Beersheba.
3. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after gain, and took bribes, and perverted justice.
4. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
5. And said unto him, Behold, you are old, and your sons walk not in your 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,
8. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, with which they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto you.
9. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: however protest solemnly unto them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.