1 Samuel 8:18

King James Version (KJV)

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.

Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Verses 14-18

See illustrations in marginal references; 1 Kings 5:13-18; 1 Kings 12:4.

Was this helpful?

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

If they would have a king to rule them, as the eastern kings ruled their subjects, they would find the yoke exceedingly heavy. Those that submit to the government of the world and the flesh, are told plainly, what hard masters they are, and what tyranny the dominion of sin is. The law of God and the manner of men widely differ from each other; the former should be our rule in the several relations of life; the latter should be the measure of our expectations from others. These would be their grievances, and, when they complained to God, he would not hear them. When we bring ourselves into distress by our own wrong desires and projects, we justly forfeit the comfort of prayer, and the benefit of Divine aid. The people were obstinate and urgent in their demand. Sudden resolves and hasty desires make work for long and leisurely repentance. Our wisdom is, to be thankful for the advantages, and patient under the disadvantages of the government we may live under; and to pray continually for our rulers, that they may govern us in the fear of God, and that we may live under them in all godliness and honesty. And it is a hopeful symptom when our desires of worldly objects can brook delay; and when we can refer the time and manner of their being granted to God's providence.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

18. Will not hear. Literally, “will not answer.” The verb ‘anah appears 35 times in 1 Samuel, and is only twice translated “to hear,” in this instance and in ch. 7:9. In the latter instance God answered Samuel’s plea by a thunderstorm. In the present text it is not the thought that God is unable to hear, but rather unable to answer because of Israel’s willful rejection of Him. All this is completely in harmony with the context, for ch. 8:7 affirms that it is not God who planned a change in the government, but the leaders in Israel. Therefore when they later became dissatisfied with conditions they were to remember that in requesting a king they had set in motion a new regime that was certain to change their way of life materially. New temptations, new relationships, new problems, would all affect the nation. They had by their own choice sowed the seeds of obstinacy, and in so doing had placed the Lord in a position where it was necessary for Him to let this seed produce its own harvest. He would not interfere with the universal law that seed sown produces a harvest after its kind.

Thus God often permits man to have that of which He does not Himself approve. He grants that which He has previously, in mercy, withheld. In questioning God’s word Adam brought into existence a new regime, which must run its course to demonstrate to the full satisfaction of men and angels that no other plan than that ordained by God can bring life and happiness to all. Future events in the history of Israel show that though God often permitted Israel to reap the harvest they had sown, He never forsook them. He was ever with them, ready to help. Furthermore, the prophets testify that in the midst of such an environment any individual who so chooses may turn from the ways of the multitude to be guided by the Lord (see Eze. 18:1-24).

Was this helpful?

Cross References

cry out

will not hear

The Ministry of Samuel and Anointment of Saul

BibleTools.info

Bible Verse Explanations and Resources

1 Samuel 8:18