But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
1 Samuel 8:6 KJVCOMMENTARY https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.6.KJV
Samuel was a wise leader, though he was displeased with their request and he knew that theocracy was better than kingship,
He still took the people request to the lord. https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.6.KJV
Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
1 Samuel 8:9 KJV COMMENTARY https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.9.KJV
God was so wise in his dealings with Israel.
They wanted something that God himself was not pleased with because it would not help them.
God himself knew it was not the better option and knew that they had made up their minds yet he suggested that they should be told the truth even though it would be rejected. https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.9.KJV
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
1 Samuel 8:11-12 KJVCOMMENTARY https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.11-12.KJV
it is interesting but up to this point in Israels history they did not know the way of kings in practice. Despite the harshness of having a government, the people still wanted it.
in my opinion having a king or kingly tribe to rule them did nothing better.
atleast when a judge ruled, he was righteous and a man of God.
but how can you guarantee that every seed of the royal line will be righteous or fear God https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.11-12.KJV
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
1 Samuel 8:17 KJV COMMENTARY https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.17.KJV
ah taxes right there. God knew how corrupt this system was and no wonder he was against it https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.17.KJV
NOTE 2
God knew the ways of kings, that Israel who were God’s children and not under any form of bondage both physically and economically, warned them of the dangers of a king.
But their mind was made up, they were God’s free men but were willing to come under bondage
1 Corinthians 7:22 KJV
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.17.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.
1 Samuel 8:18 KJVCOMMENTARY https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.18.KJV
hmm, they were warned. As is the case even today, all people cry out against their governments.
Such madness running the state https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.18.KJV
that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
1 Samuel 8:20 KJV COMMENTARY https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.20.KJV
They were offered the flesh and the spirit and they chose they flesh https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.8.20.KJV