But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No: but we will have a king over us,
"Go every man to his city"  (1 Samuel 8:22).  The abbreviated nature of this narrative is conspicuous here.  Samuel evidently told the elders that their request would be granted, and he may have requested on his own behalf that he be allowed some time in which to pray and consult the Lord concerning the man who would be appointed king of Israel.