1 Samuel 8:20

Like all the nations. During their residence in Palestine, the Israelites had witnessed the concerted efforts of the Sea Peoples and other nations to conquer all the lands of the Near East, overcoming all resistance and spreading fear to every heart. But Israel knew nothing of the fear that had made the blood of the Canaanites ran cold as Joshua led God’s people in the conquest of Palestine (see Joshua 2:9-11). Foolishly, their elders believed the tribute levied on conquered peoples would make Israel rich. They forgot that true riches come through a better way of life. Disgusted with the greed and graft of priestly leaders such as the sons of Eli and of Samuel, they thought the solution rested in submitting to the judgment of one king, such as the other nations had. They were oblivious of the fact that a king would find even more opportunities for favoritism and the gratification of selfish desires than had the dissolute priests.

At the beginning of his judgeship Samuel had shown the people that the real solution of their troubles was not a change of administration but rather a change of heart, a contrite turning to the Lord.