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.
7. The Lord told Samuel, “Listen to whatever the people say to you. They have not rejected you. They have rejected me from being their king.
8. They are doing as they have always done. When I took them out of Egypt, they left me. They served other gods. They are doing the same to you.
9. Now listen to the people. But give them a warning. Tell them what the king who rules over them will do.”
10. Samuel answered those who had asked him for a king. He told them all the words of the Lord.
11. Samuel said, “If you have a king ruling over you, this is what he will do: He will take your sons. He will make them serve with his chariots and his horses. They will run in front of the king’s chariot.