Literally, “will not answer.” The verb ‘anah appears 35 times in 1 Samuel, and is only twice translated “to hear,” in this instance and in ch. 7:9. In the latter instance God answered Samuel’s plea by a thunderstorm. In the present text it is not the thought that God is unable to hear, but rather unable to answer because of Israel’s willful rejection of Him. All this is completely in harmony with the context, for ch. 8:7 affirms that it is not God who planned a change in the government, but the leaders in Israel. Therefore when they later became dissatisfied with conditions they were to remember that in requesting a king they had set in motion a new regime that was certain to change their way of life materially. New temptations, new relationships, new problems, would all affect the nation. They had by their own choice sowed the seeds of obstinacy, and in so doing had placed the Lord in a position where it was necessary for Him to let this seed produce its own harvest. He would not interfere with the universal law that seed sown produces a harvest after its kind.

 Thus God often permits man to have that of which He does not Himself approve. He grants that which He has previously, in mercy, withheld. In questioning God’s word Adam brought into existence a new regime, which must run its course to demonstrate to the full satisfaction of men and angels that no other plan than that ordained by God can bring life and happiness to all. Future events in the history of Israel show that though God often permitted Israel to reap the harvest they had sown, He never forsook them. He was ever with them, ready to help. Furthermore, the prophets testify that in the midst of such an environment any individual who so chooses may turn from the ways of the multitude to be guided by the Lord (see Eze. 18:1-24).