1 Samuel 8:19-21

1 SAMUEL—NOTE ON 1 Samuel 8:19 “We,” “us,” and “our” appear frequently in this short speech. The king’s functions are (1) to give influence and status like all the nations; (2) to judge us (2 Samuel 15:2; 1 Kings 3:16; Psalms 72:1); and (3) to go out before us and fight our battles—that is, be a war leader (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:47).