Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 8:19

"But the people refused to hearken unto the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay: but we will have a king over us," — 1 Samuel 8:19 (ASV)

The people refused. —The warning words of the prophet-judge were evidently carefully considered and debated in a formal assembly, but the majority at least abided by the terms of their request.