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1 Samuel 8:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 8:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah;
1 Samuel 8:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
2Now the name of his first-born was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
3And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice.
4Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah;
5and they said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
6But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto Jehovah.
7And Jehovah said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them.
← 1 Samuel 8:31 Samuel 8:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, etc.] At some place of rendezvous appointed; these were the heads of the tribes, and fathers of the houses and families of Israel, the principal persons of age and authority: and came to Samuel unto Ramah; the place of his nativity and abode, and where he now dwelt, and judged Israel; they went in a very respectable body with an address to him.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the elders: Exo 3:16, Exo 24:1; Sa2 5:3 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 8:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification