1st Samuel 8:4-7

Eli’s sons were wicked and not living the way they should have. They were sinning and not being the Godly examples they were supposed to be. (Not that anyone is perfect, but Priests are held to a higher standard for sure.)

God started speaking to Samuel when he was young. Eli guided him, taught him, and trusted everything he said the LORD said. He was reliable. All of Israel knew that God spoke to Samuel and he spoke on behalf of God. Eli died at 98 years old, just as the Philistines attacked and stole the Ark of the Covenant. (The nice box they built to carry the 10 Commandments in.) The Philistines kept the Ark 7 months, then it was moved.

In chapter 7, Samuel tells Israel to return to the LORD. They had idols & false little g gods they were worshipping. As Samuel got older, he appointed his sons Joel and Abijah to be judges. But they were greedy and took bribes from people. This is how they Governed since God had set up everything through Moses. God led, but He needed people. People have free will and don’t always do what God has asked them to. As we see with Samuel’s sons. (I would also like to point out, as a parent, you can raise them in a Godly way, but as adults, they might not live those same ways.) Samuel dealt with a lot, but he wasn’t finished yet. Now Israel wanted a king!