What warnings did Samuel give Israel about having a king?

When the elders of Israel requested a king, the prophet Samuel initially rejected the proposal, viewing it as an act of infidelity and a rebellion against Yahweh.1

In the anti-monarchic tradition recorded in the Books of Samuel, Samuel warned the people that adopting a highly centralized monarchy would result in the loss of their personal and tribal freedom. He cautioned that a king would impose heavy burdens on the nation, specifically noting that the people would be subjected to:12

• Loss of liberty: The surrender of much of their existing freedom.1
• Economic taxation: The requirement to provide goods and services to support the royal establishment.1

Despite these warnings, Samuel eventually followed divine instruction to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel, acting as a concession to the popular pressure exerted by the elders.12