Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Israel Clamours for a King Read 1 Samuel 8:1-22 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." 1 Samuel 8:4-5 In our reading today, God’s newborn nation Israel began to envy other nations who had kings to lead them in battle. They clamored for the pomp and prestige of having a king to rule over them too. From the start of their history, God had played that kingly role for them and even if they crowned a king, both he and they would have had to submit to the sovereignty of God. So this transfer from a theocracy to a monarchy was actually a retrogressive step, a totally unwise decision bringing the nation many steps backwards. It was certainly not God’s ideal plan for Israel. But the glitter and glamour of a monarchy blinded the people. It must have grieved God’s heart to realise how much His people wanted to displace Him as their national ruler. Actually, time and time again they had been rejecting Him as their God as they worshipped other gods (v 8). Now they had gone a step further. When Samuel heard about it, he was distressed too as it had personal implications for him as their sole leader since his teenage days. He only came to terms with it when God sadly reminded him that ultimately it was God that the people rejected, not Samuel (v 7). Perhaps Samuel was also hurt that they were, in a sense, casting a no confidence vote in the leadership of his two sons Joel and Abijah. But his sons were corrupt judges and he should not expect that the people would respect them. But this is the weakness parents have. Somehow their children can never do wrong in their eyes. Samuel the father was no different. As citizens of the Kingdom, our real king is God. Pray for all kings and government leaders to be worthy of the position God has granted them and not to abuse their rights. Have we broken God’s heart by putting someone or something as king in our hearts, no matter how momentarily?