8:1–15:35 Review · The Early Years of Saul’s Reign:Even though Samuel has led the people well as a judge, he will be the last to hold this charismatic office. Under pressure from the people, Samuel anoints Saul as the first king and thereby ushers in a new era of Israel’s history. Saul’s initial years as king are promising, and it appears that the unified nation will be a powerful one.

8:1-22 · Unlike most judges, Samuel appoints his sons to succeed him, but, like Eli before him, Samuel proves to be an unsuccessful parent: his sons are dishonest and create serious problems for both Samuel and the nation. Using the misconduct of Samuel’s sons as a pretext, the elders ask Samuel to appoint a king over Israel (8:1–9). They want what they perceive to be the stability and strength …