learning DAILY

1 Samuel 8:4-5, Then the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “Look you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

God’s desire was to be Lord to the people of Israel.  He had chosen them to be His people.  He wanted them to look to him for guidance, protection, help in time of need, to be their provider.  He was to be their King.  However, these people looked at the kingdoms of the earth and wanted to be like them; they wanted a king.  “Israel wanted a king who would visibly symbolize power and security and lead them into battle” (Dr. David Jeremiah).

Even though Moses had foretold of this day (see Deuteronomy 17:14-15) God saw this demand by the elders of Israel as a rejection of Himself as King of Israel.  1 Samuel 8:7 shows God’s response to Samuel, And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” 

In Israel’s rejection of God their goal was to be like the other nations (v.20).  Go back and read several chapters before where Israel had experienced defeat at the hands of the Philistines.  The elders of Israel blamed their troubles and defeats on an inadequate government, when in reality it was their sin.  Their way of handling their defeats was to conform to the pagan societies around them rather than trust in God. 

Genesis 17:6 is important to note right here.  The verse is part of God’s covenant with Abraham and says, “I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.” It speaks of a day when the people would no longer be content with God’s rule.  It speaks of a time when God would establish kings in Israel.  Was this the time?  According to God’s response to Samuel, it does not seem to be the time God had chosen for them to have a king; their motivation was wrong.  He gave them what they wanted and the government became flawed.  Kings came to the throne through succession rather than through God’s direct choice (except for David).  This resulted in the reigns of evil and immoral kings that interfered with God’s lordship over His people.  

The Bible not only tells us the difficulties and the troubles Israel went through with their kings, it gives us hope of the Lord’s return to establish His throne on earth.  He will rule with truth and righteousness for one thousand years before a new heaven and a new earth comes for all eternity.  The Lord’s reign will be one of peace, one of honesty, one without malice or hatred, one without social injustices, one without us wondering who is speaking truth.  What a time to look forward to!  May it come soon.

If you would like to get this blog sent to you automatically when new posts are posted please leave your email address with “Follow by email.” Don’t forget to check Follow as well.

Remember – if you receive this blog through email, you can go to the regular blog page by moving your cursor to the top of the page and click on LEARNING DAILY header.  Then you can see the archived articles and comment section. You can also leave a comment by clicking on the date in the Comment Section.