What does 1 Samuel 8:10 mean?

Samuel is both judge and prophet in Israel (1 Samuel 3:19–21; 7:15–17). As judge, he led the nation as a deliverer, especially in the battle against the Philistines described in 1 Samuel 7. He also served as a legal judge in the sense of overseeing disputes and settling disagreements between factions. Samuel, though, was also understood to be a prophet of the Lord from the time he was incredibly young (1 Samuel 3:20). In that role, He communicated the will and warnings of the Lord to the people.

In the following verses, Samuel will communicate God's will and warning about Israel's desire for a human king. The Lord has instructed Samuel to appoint a king for them (1 Samuel 8:9). The prophet will also communicate God's solemn and formal disclaimer about what having a human king will cost the people. The price to become like other nations in this way will be high. The Israelites will sacrifice freedoms, taxes, land, labor, and even their children (1 Samuel 8:11–18).