1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 8:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Samuel carefully explained the principles of the kingdom to the populace, not for them to embrace these laws, but rather to dissuade them, which seemed like guidance but actually served to steer them away from their eagerness for a ruler.

Observe the wisdom of the prophet, or more accurately, the compassion of God. When he aimed to dissuade the people from their desire for a king, he listed numerous difficulties, declaring that the future monarch would compel their wives to grind grain and would assign their husbands the roles of shepherds and overseers of mules, as he elaborated on the burdens of serving a king.

View them as your leaders and regard them as royalty, offering them tribute as rulers (cf. Rom. 13:7). It is appropriate for you to support them and their congregations. Just as Samuel instructed the people regarding their king in 1 Samuel and Moses concerning the priests, we likewise provide guidance about the bishops. If the people provided appropriate service to that monarch, how much more should the bishop receive from you what is ordained by God for his sustenance and that of his clergy? Moreover, if anything beyond this should be considered, let the bishop be honored more than that ancient king. The monarch managed military matters, overseeing war and peace for the care of the body, yet the bishop is invested with the divine priesthood, safeguarding both body and soul from peril.