1 Samuel 8 4

1 Samuel 8:4 kjv

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,

1 Samuel 8:4 nkjv

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,

1 Samuel 8:4 niv

So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.

1 Samuel 8:4 esv

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah

1 Samuel 8:4 nlt

Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel.

1 Samuel 8 verses

1 Samuel 8 4 Meaning

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, detailing the unified action of the national leaders, "all the elders of Israel," who convened to confront Samuel in Ramah regarding the corruption of his sons and their desire for a new form of leadership—a king like other nations.

1 Samuel 8 4 Context

1 Samuel 8 begins by describing Samuel's old age and the unrighteous conduct of his two sons, Joel and Abijah, whom he had appointed judges in Beersheba. Unlike their father, they took bribes and perverted justice, prompting widespread discontent among the people. This verse immediately follows the description of their corruption, serving as the direct consequence and catalyst for the significant societal shift. The broader historical context is the close of the era of the Judges, a period marked by cyclical disobedience, oppression, and deliverance, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 21:25). Israel sought a king not merely for judicial reform but to emulate surrounding nations, desiring a visible, powerful leader for protection and national prestige, rather than relying solely on the invisible kingship of God through judges. This collective action signifies a momentous turning point in Israel's theocratic governance, setting the stage for the establishment of the monarchy.

1 Samuel 8 4 Word analysis

• Then (וַיִּתְקַבְּצוּ - vayitqabbṣû): This conjunctive perfect, starting with "and," indicates a direct, sequential outcome of the preceding verses detailing Samuel's sons' corruption. It signals an immediate and decisive response from the Israelite leadership.

• all (כָּל - kol): Emphasizes the unanimous nature and broad representation. This was not a localized complaint but a united front representing the entire nation. It highlights the weight and authority of the demand.

• the elders (זִקְנֵי - ziqney): From zaqen (זָקֵן), meaning "old" or "aged," signifying wisdom, experience, and authority. In ancient Israel, elders were civic and religious leaders, acting as judges, administrators, and community representatives, making decisions and upholding justice at local and national levels. Their collective action carried significant communal weight.

• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yisrael): Not just a particular tribe or region, but the entirety of the covenant nation, affirming the widespread nature of their concern and the national scope of their petition. This makes their demand particularly weighty and consequential.

• gathered themselves together (וַיִּתְקַבְּצוּ - vayitqabbṣû): The Hithpael conjugation of qabats (קָבַץ) means "to gather oneself" or "to assemble." This signifies a deliberate, self-initiated, and purposeful assembly, not merely a spontaneous collection of individuals. It reflects an organized and unified deputation.

• and came (וַיָּבֹאוּ - vayav'u): This indicates a direct, purposeful journey. They weren't just assembling generally but specifically coming with an agenda to a particular person and place.

• to Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל - Shmu'el): Samuel was the undisputed spiritual and judicial authority in Israel, serving as prophet, priest, and the last of the Judges. He was God's direct representative, making him the rightful figure to whom the nation's grievances and demands should be addressed.

• at Ramah (הָרָמָתָה - haRamatah): Samuel’s hometown, residence, and center for his judicial administration (1 Sam 7:17). This specific location signifies the seriousness of their intent; they went to Samuel's personal residence and operational base, seeking him out directly for a definitive answer.

• "all the elders of Israel": This phrase emphasizes the national consensus and the representative authority behind the subsequent demand for a king. It highlights that the petition stemmed from the collective will and discernment of the nation's respected leaders.

• "gathered themselves together and came to Samuel at Ramah": This sequence of actions denotes a deliberate, unified, and decisive deputation. It wasn't a casual meeting but a formal confrontation, demonstrating their shared purpose and urgency regarding the crisis of leadership and their proposal for a change in governance.

1 Samuel 8 4 Bonus section

The collective action of "all the elders of Israel" underscores the historical role of such figures as representative bodies capable of initiating significant political and social change within the covenant community. Their unanimous decision to approach Samuel demonstrates their perceived mandate from the entire nation. This act sets a precedent for how significant national issues would be presented to leadership, highlighting a balance between divine authority (represented by Samuel) and communal will (represented by the elders). This encounter at Ramah marks the point of no return for Israel's governance, moving away from a decentralized tribal confederacy under judges to the centralized monarchy, shaping the next four centuries of their history. The issue was not merely the need for better leadership but the type of leadership desired – human monarchy instead of exclusive divine kingship via appointed judges, raising fundamental theological questions about trust in God's providence versus reliance on human institutions.

1 Samuel 8 4 Commentary

1 Samuel 8:4 serves as the pivotal turning point, revealing the decisive action of "all the elders of Israel" to address the systemic corruption emanating from Samuel’s sons. Their unanimous gathering and journey to Samuel at Ramah underscored the severity of the leadership crisis and the unified national resolve to find a solution. These elders, representing every tribe and region, held significant authority as wisdom figures and legal arbiters in the community. Their collective decision to formally approach Samuel signified the people's growing disillusionment with the judge system, primarily due to the perversion of justice under Samuel’s progeny. This act directly preceded their momentous demand for a king, echoing Deuteronomy's prophecy of a future monarch and signaling a shift from a reliance on God's direct rule through judges to a desire for a visible, earthly sovereign like other nations. This move, while born from legitimate grievances against corruption, also implicitly questioned God's leadership.