Original Douay–Rheims Annotations1 Samuel 8

Rejected me.

^◦ For so much as God had chosen Israel a peculiar people to himself, and hitherto ruled the same by his Priests established among them, and by Judges extraordinarily raised up, and sent by him, to deliver them in their distresses, their demand now to have a King, who (after the manner of other nations) should be their Lord, and have more dignity and authority over them, than Dukes or Judges had, is interpreted, as in effect to reject God: in that they disliked, & sought to change his form of government. And therefore this request of the people justly displeased both Samuel and God himself.

• ◦ Why the people's demand to have a King is disliked.

The right of the King.

Samuel here by God's appointment, to dissuade the people from their desire of a King, at least to admonish them before hand, ^[1] what they are like to find by experience, reciteth such things, as Kings abusing their power do oftentimes practise, by reason of their high dignity, and little fear of controlment, but unjustly and unlawfully, according to the doctrine of ancient Fathers. ^[2] Amongst others, S. Cyprian calleth the exactions of Kings here recited, grievous injuries. S. Hierome dura imperia, & servitutem: rigorous or cruel governments, and servitude. S. Gregory proveth the same by two contrary examples. Seeing (saith he) that which is here foretold, was punished in Achab and Jezabel (3. Reg. 21.) it sheweth, that it was not right by divine judgement, which they exacted. And when the elect King David was to build an altar to our Lord (1. Paral. 21.) he would not take part of Ornan's field, except he payed a just price for it. Moreover the law prescribing the duty of Kings (Deut. 17. v. 16. &c.) commandeth them not to multiply horses, not to heap riches, not to take high courage, that their hearts be not lifted up into pride over their brethren. Nevertheless Kings have great prerogatives (more than Dukes and Judges) besides, ^[3] and above, but never contrary to the law; that albeit they cannot take their subject's lands or goods, neither for themselves, nor to give to their servants at their pleasure: yet in diverse cases subjects are bound to contribute of their private goods, to supply the necessity of the King, or of the commonwealth, as by nature every part must suffer damage or danger in defence of the principal member, or whole body. And if any refuse to to do, they may justly be compelled.

• 1 Kings sometimes oppress their subjects by God's sufferance, but unjustly.
• 2 S. Cyp. li. 3. ep. 9. sive 65. 8. Hiero. in Osee 8. S. Greg. l. 4. c. 2. in 1. Reg. 8.
• 3 Kings have prerogatives above, but not contrary to the laws.

Furthermore in case Kings or other Princes commit excesses, and oppress their subjects, yet are they not by & by to be deposed by the people, nor commonwealth, but must be tolerated with patience, peace, and meekness, till God by his sovereign authority, left in his Church, dispose of them: ^{[1] [2]} which his divine wisdom and goodness often deferreth to do, as here he expressly forewarneth saying: (v. 18.) You shall cry in that day from the face of your King, and our Lord will not hear you. And the reason is, because he will punish the sins of the people, by suffering evil Princes to reign. Job. 34. v. 30.

• 1 Evil Princes may be deposed by God & the Church: but not by the people only.
• 2 Concil. Lateran c. 3. de heret.

Of which important difficulty, falling sometimes between Princes and their subjects, who so desireth, may search the judgement of ancient Fathers, and see S. Thomas, and other school Doctors, 2. 2. q. 12. a. 2. ^[1] Here only for better understanding of this present text, these brief points may be observed. ^[2] First, the people of their own will desired to have a King. ^[3] Secondly, they requested the same at the hands of Samuel their present Superior. ^[4] Thirdly, this demand displeased both Samuel and God himself. ^[5] Fourthly, yet God condescended to grant their suit, but with an admonition, and forewarning of the inconveniences, which they should find and feel. ^[6] Fifthly, God himself designed the person that should be King, revealed him by vision, and commanded Samuel to anoint him. ^[7] Sixthly, God nevertheless by guiding the lot, more manifestly declared, and confirmed his election. ^[8] Seventhly, God deposed the same King, for transgressing his law, chap. 13. v. 13. and disobeying his commandment, chap 15. v. 23. appointing another, by the ministry of Samuel, chap. 16. ^[9] Eighthly, notwithstanding his deposition, he remained in his dignity till his death, which happened by other means, chap. 31. By all which it appeareth, that God constituted Saul the first King of the Jews, the people suing to have a King; but deposed him for evil behaviour, the people desiring no such thing, and Samuel the Prophet much lamenting the same. Yet was he not actually bereaved of the crown and Kingdom during his life.

• 1 Points observed in the constitution and deposition of King Saul.
• 2 1.
• 3 2.
• 4 3.
• 5 4.
• 6 5.
• 7 6.
• 8 7.
• 9 8.