(19) Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; (20) That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
That this spirit of rebellion was not against Samuel and his sons, but (as I said before) against God, is here somewhat more plain. For they speak of their king fighting their battles. Had not God fought their battles all the way along from Egypt to Canaan? Nay, in the preceding chapter is it not related, that the Lord thundered from heaven upon their enemies? 1 Samuel 7:10-11. Besides, God had promised them a king in his own time and way, and one whom he should choose. And no doubt David was that one, and therefore in allusion to this, is called the man after God's own heart; that is, as the shepherd and king of his people. But both God's choice and God's time are to be waited for, See Deuteronomy 17:14-15.