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1 Samuel 8:9
ESV Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”
NIV 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.'
NASB Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them.'
CSB Listen to them, but solemnly warn them and tell them about the customary rights of the king who will reign over them."
NLT Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.'
KJV Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

What does 1 Samuel 8:9 mean?

The Lord once more tells Samuel to do as the people have requested in giving them a king. He does give Samuel one condition, though: warn them about how a king will rule over them. The words translated as "solemnly warn them" form a legal expression in the original Hebrew. The idea is much like the legal disclaimer included in a contract. The Lord is saying Israel may have a king, but only after they are thoroughly and formally told what having a king will cost them. The price will be high.

Samuel will go into great detail about what the Israelites should expect from a king in the loss of rights and land and money and even children (1 Samuel 8:10–18).
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