Charles Spurgeon Commentary Judges 8:20-22

"And he said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth. Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels` necks. Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son`s son also; for thou hast saved us out of the hand of Midian." — Judges 8:20-22 (ASV)

There was always an itching among the Israelites to have a king, an earthly monarch to rule over them; but God did not design it that way.

It was a lack of loyalty and love to God that led them to make this request.