1 Samuel 8:1-22
Samuel’s sons, like Eli’s, did not follow in their father’s footsteps. Children of Christian parents should consider this seriously. In order to enjoy God’s favour, it is not enough, as the Jews thought, to have Abraham for one’s father (Matthew 3:9).
Now the people come to the prophet with a request which upsets him greatly. They would like a king, to be like all the other nations. Basically we, too, often want to be like everyone else, for we do not like to be made to look conspicuous. If we do not behave like those around us, we usually draw on ourselves mockery, misunderstanding and accusations that we are proud. Yet, if we are "the sons of God" (1 John 3:2) this in itself puts a fundamental difference between us and our worldly associates. This difference brings many others in its wake – the unbeliever does not accept God’s authority, whereas the believer, on the other hand, recognizes Jesus Christ as his Master and Lord.
Samuel is charged with warning the people that whilst the LORD is a sovereign who loads His subjects with good things, the king they want will be demanding and his rule will be harsh.