When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.
(1 Samuel 8:1-3 ESV)
Israel had finally begun heading in the right direction. They were seeking God, listening to Samuel as he spoke for God, turning from idols to serve only God. Samuel himself was a content man-willing to stay within a confined area within the heartland of Israel, talking with God and sharing what he learned with his people. He experienced peace and truth. The first red flag here is when "he made his sons judges..." That is not how he got to be judge. His action, combined with their actions; not being content, took them, and the nation off course. A lot of evil, in our lives, homes, and nation, will be avoided, when we keep seeking God in all things, and stop being discontent with what God has given.
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