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6. But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD.
7. The LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them.
8. "Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day--in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods--so they are doing to you also.
9. "Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them."
10. So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who had asked of him a king.
11. He said, "This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his horsemen and they will run before his chariots.
12. "He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
13. "He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers.
14. "He will take the best of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves and give them to his servants.
15. "He will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards and give to his officers and to his servants.
16. "He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young men and your donkeys and use them for his work.
17. "He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants.
18. "Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day."

19: And all the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king."

20: And Samuel said to the people, "Fear not; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

21: and do not turn aside after vain things which cannot profit or save, for they are vain.

22: For the LORD will not cast away his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.

23: Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

24: Only fear the LORD, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.

25: But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king."

I Samuel 12:19-25