9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights."
9 Now therefore hearken
9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."
9 So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they're in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they're likely to get from a king."
9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them."
9 Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:9
Commentary on 1 Samuel 8:4-9
(Read 1 Samuel 8:4-9)
Samuel was displeased; he could patiently bear what reflected on himself, and his own family; but it displeased him when they said, Give us a king to judge us, because that reflected upon God. It drove him to his knees. When any thing disturbs us, it is our interest, as well as our duty, to show our trouble before God. Samuel is to tell them that they shall have a king. Not that God was pleased with their request, but as sometimes he opposes us from loving-kindness, so at other times he gratifies us in wrath; he did so here. God knows how to bring glory to himself, and serves his own wise purposes, even by men's foolish counsels.