We can see the fulfillment to this promise with Jesus. When Samuel was getting old, he let them be leaders at Beersheba. God wanted to dwell among them (Exodus 29:46) and rule over them. Elijah used miracles to bring Israel up out of shambles, if just for a moment. The King the People Wanted. She twice argued with Samuel to anoint a king. Let’s begin by looking at why Israel desired a king. They were dishonest and accepted bribes to give unfair decisions. The People of Israel Want a King - Samuel had two sons. PO Box 270519 He was Israel’s perfect King and allowed them to request a human king. There is not a lot of information recorded regarding, process. He it is who shall restrain my people” (1 Sam 9:17). A. Rehoboam and the division of Israel. In fact, the predicament of the people of Judah and the condition of the city of Jerusalem became much worse around the beginning of the first century C.E. Copyright ©2020 EternalGod.org. But the elders of Israel did not wait for Samuel’s intervention, and so, Samuel perceived this action and demand for a king as a loss of confidence in his leadership. Saul had figured that they could not find them and wanted to turn back to tell his father, but his servant suggested otherwise. Responding to the people’s “regret,” Samuel stated: “…‘You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart… serve Him in truth with all your heart… But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king’” (1 Samuel 12:20, 24-25). Fighting was a very prevalent activity for both of these groups, as it still is for many groups today. God is sovereign. When God performed this miracle, “…all the people said to Samuel, ‘Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves’” (1 Samuel 12:19). Both God and Samuel showed great humility, resilience, and grace in allowing Israel to make choices and mistakes, learning from the consequences. San Diego, California 92198 But they were not like their father. One bad choice of Israel’s demand for a king had terrible consequences for them and the entire world. 1 Samuel presents Israel transformation from theocracy to monarchy as theological and sociopolitical. One reason has already been revealed: It constituted the rejection of God’s rule over them. Israel already had a true Judge and King in Yahweh. Ancient and modern Israel and Judah did not learn what God is telling all of us in Psalm 146:3: “Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.”. Jephthah described Yahweh … Saul was chosen by God to be the king, according to the scriptures (1 Sam 9:17). But the time would come when Israel would be so persistent in their demand for a king that God would let them have their will. They wanted to follow the false god of war and human war heroes, rather than the true God of Peace. The ancient and modern houses of Israel and Judah were meant to show the world how to live righteously, by trusting in God and not in their human leaders or their weapons and armies (Psalm 44:6-8). A period of prosperity, faithfulness and fearing God would Now therefore, heed their voice. The successful View More Christian Religious Education Questions and Answers | Return to Questions Index. However, the reasons for fighting and violence were very different for the Hebrews and Greeks. This occurred between 1100 and 1000 BC or roughly 350 years after the original making of the covenant. Samuel was angry because he knew they were rejecting God's rule. Some people read and discuss the Bible without a solid understanding of the history and social issues that were going on at the time. 3) Based on property and wealth, distribution of political power. When people want to sin or lose faith in God, He does not take away their free will, but they will have to live with the consequences. The main reason why Israel wanted a king was to be “like all the other nations” (Hindson and Yates 2012). In the Book of Deuteronomy , he actually commands Israel to appoint a king (at an unspecified time in the future), and lays down the guidelines for a Jewish monarch, limiting his materialistic pursuits and exhorting him to follow G‑d and be humble. First, the house of Israel was enslaved by the Assyrians, and later, the house of Judah was enslaved by the Babylonians. This desire, to be ruled by man, rather than God, has always been a major problem in man’s conduct. Several factors come into play here. Because Israel demanded a king out of bad and carnal reasons, God will give them a bad and carnal king. In particular, they want a king who will be a strong military leader (v. 20), an authority in competition with God instead of a servant of God. Previous: Outline six lessons that modern Christian leaders can learn from the leadership of king David of Israel. 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.’”, God knew, of course, that ultimately, Israel would demand a king. The rest is history—and prophecy. Despite God’s warnings, they were adamant — enough with this judge stuff; give us a king! Israel Requests a King (vs. 4-18) The elders of the tribes come to Samuel and request a king. Israel Asks for a King. Introduction Trust in God will be taught and practiced. Rather than relying on God, they wanted to rely on man. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant’” (Mark 10:42-43). The Lord tells Samuel to make them a king since they reject the Lord, but they do not reject Samuel (1 Sam 8:7). Here the people had reason on their side. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Both the internal administration of justice and the defence of the country would be better managed under a permanent and regular authority than under the judges, whose rule was extemporised to meet difficulties, and had no inherent stability. It was a beautiful day, and so many other families had chosen to do likewise. Saul did not trust in God. No king or ruler will save them from this pre-determined fate which has been proclaimed because of their continuing sins. This first post will cover verses 1-9; the second one (on Monday) will explore verses 10-22. It took him several years to complete this mission however; he was committed to God and illustrated a level of wisdom that God bestowed upon him due to his obedience. There were lines waiting for the “good” rides. Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." They were to show other nations how a people can live under God’s rule. The demand for a king was an example of complete and total lack of faith in God. Saul and his servant had just left the Land of Benjamin because they were in search for Saul’s father asses. Like all sinners, descendants of Adam are no different today. Jacob has no money to pay the dowry for a wife, and so he ends up working for Laban, his father-in-law, for 14 years to pay the dowry fee for his two wives, Leah and Rachel. They wanted to be like everybody else, even though God had called the nation of Israel to be different and holy—to be set aside for a separate and godly purpose (Exodus 19:6). He would write the covenant in their hearts. The key to God's displeasure was the request itself, to "appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have" (1 Sam. He was their leader. The book of Samuel in general, and chaps. The Israelites actually didn't decide that they needed a king, but rather decided that they wanted one. But God’s plan for Israel was not to let them be ‘like all the nations’! Furthermore, God will use man (and even the wrong decisions of man) to bring about His purpose. But they chose to reject God’s rule in order to become like all the other nations. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Facing a Philistine threat at the time of Samuel the prophet, Israel requested a king. The fact that Israel would ask for a King is portended by the writings of Moses. Eventually the people demanded a king, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8, … However, God made it clear that ultimately, their demand was a rejection of God’s leadership, because God had made Samuel judge over Israel (1 Samuel 7:6, 15-17). God was their king, and He ruled them directly. According to the scriptures, the elders thought that Samuel was too old and his sons did not have the same walk with God that Samuel had. Samuel gives an additional reason for their immediate demand for a king in 1 Samuel 12:12: “‘And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, “No, but a king shall reign over us” when the LORD your God was your king.’” It was the fear of an approaching enemy which prompted them to ask for a king at that time, thinking that a powerful and visible human warrior could save them, while in their mind, the invisible great God could not accomplish this. 1. Christ later declared to His disciples: “‘You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Even though God had told them that He was to choose their king whom they desired (1 Samuel 10:24), they later even rejected that command, as Hosea 8:4 tells us: “They set up kings, but not by Me; They made princes, and I did not acknowledge it.” But of course nothing can be accomplished against God’s Will, even though man may think otherwise. Fitzmyer calls Israel a “theocratic people”; God was their king rather than a man. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The nations of Israel and Judah did live wickedly so that God expelled them from their land. After Israel escaped slavery in Egypt and started to become a nation in Canaan, it did not have a king. Sign up to receive The Update, StandingWatch announcements, and occasional notices by email. They had already asked Gideon to rule over them as king, but Gideon had refused to do so. struggle for liberation under the leadership of Moses and the glorious conquest Someday they would be sorry, but they would have to learn that the hard way. contact@eternalgod.org. And Israel wanted a king to fight their battles, despite the fact that Yahweh fought their battles for them. This displeased both Samuel and the Lord (vs. 6-8). Then Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, Introducing the Monarchy The Messiah, Last Covenant Relationship between USA and Saudi Arabia: The relationship between USA and Saudi Arabia is problematic. Nevertheless, the people did not heed the warning, but responded: “No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go before us and fight our battles” (1 Samuel 8:19-20). Second, rather than demanding a king, the elders of Israel should have waited for Samuel to reverse his decision and dismiss his sons as judges. One is ultraconservative Islamic absolute monarchy and another is secular, thorough grasp on the history of Israel and the surrounding nations. Early in his reign he was admired and respected by the people. Unfortunately, after David’s death, Israel was divided due to a sin committed by Solomon. 1. They still believe that human beings should lead them and will save them and bring them deliverance and peace; that God is not to be considered; and that His Word is not to be kept. Prior to the birth of Jesus, the people of Israel had experienced a tumultuous relationship with God as a result of their disobedience and sin. Jacob flees to Paddan-aram, partly to find a wife from among his relatives and partly to flee from the anger of his brother, Esau. Nevertheless, God made it very clear that the demand for a king was SINFUL. In their wickedness of a request for a human king God would send a perfect King who would be born many years later. God does not prevent us from sinning, and He does not force us to live righteously. In this article, we’ll examine the Israeli people’s request for a king as recorded in chapter 8-12 of the 1st book of Samuel. When Christ returns, human rulers and human kings will end (Daniel 2:44). The Bible gives us several reasons for ancient Israel’s request, and it shows not only why this desire was sinful, but also, how the fulfillment of Israel’s desire has been causing much pain and suffering for Israel and all of mankind. Then all 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. This desire was not new. Samuel made this very clear when he continued that God would work a visible sign to show them their sinfulness: “‘…I will call to the LORD, and He will send thunder and rain, that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking a king for yourselves’” (1 Samuel 12:17). However, he also punished Israel when they were not faithful to the mosaic covenant. The nation of Judah was subsequently re-established in the Promised Land, but the house of Israel never returned. Israel wanted a king to judge them, despite the fact that Yahweh was their judge. And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Sam 8:4-5 ESV). Is Society Somewhat And Blame For Performance Enhancing Drugs. “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.’ So Samuel prayed to the LORD. What did God tell Samuel was the real reason they desired a king. After spending several hours at this, I turned to our friends and said, “You know, this is an excellent illustration of sin – the ride is short, and the price is high!” I have since thought of another dimension: “If the ride is any good, it will scare you to death.” As we come to the reign of King Saul, I fin… Despite God’s warnings delivered through Samuel, Israel chose Saul as their first king. And so, God had already given statutes and injunctions for the king’s behavior once Israel’s demand would be fulfilled (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). One of King Solomon strengths were being responsible for building the first temple located in Jerusalem. But the people didn’t want to wait. Samuel explained that the king and the human system over which he (or any human leader) would rule would take the sons and daughters of the people, as well as the best of their fields, to use them for his (or the government’s) own purposes and personal gain; that he (or the government) would make many weapons and build a great army to fight against other nations; and that he (or the government) would institute a tax system, in addition to the godly enjoined duty to pay tithe and offerings to Him. The Israelites not only wanted a king, but a king who would judge them (1 Sam 8:6). The people of Israel didn’t need a human king. One day the nation’s leaders came to Samuel at Ramah and said, “You are an old man. The children of Israel, therefore, abide without a king because the messiah has not yet come. We read in 1 Samuel 8:18: “And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day.”. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. However, God made it clear that ultimately, their demand was a rejection of God’s leadership, because God had made Samuel judge over Israel (1 Samuel 7:6, 15-17). Introduction As I read chapter 8 of 1 Samuel, I am reminded of an amusing sequence of events in the life of Jacob, described in Genesis 30and 31. The older one was Joel, and the younger one was Abijah. In Exodus 30:12 God told Moses, “When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Israel will get what they want and will hurt because of it! As to why God was angry at David, in those times, a man only had the right to count or number what belonged to him. Note, “And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king.” Israel was so determined to have a king. “Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel… but his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. Then we will experience a world of peace when all nations, including Israel and Judah, will learn to rely on God, rather than on man, and abandon the way of war (Isaiah 2:1-4). But overall, this is not God’s world, and Satan rules it and brings people to power whom he wants. Although the Jews did not require a king in their ideal state, Moses foresaw that the need for one would arise. All Rights Reserved. The Lord told Samuel, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! (Judges 17:6)Four times in the Book of Judges we are told that "there was no king in Israel in those days" (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25), indicating that the book must have been compiled either by Samuel (the last judge) or someone else of his or a later generation. Answers. They still follow their god of war and live with the delusion that their elected rulers need to lead them in their wars with terrible, destructive weapons and huge armies. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.’”. Their request for a king was a rejection of God’s way of leadership over them. Give reasons why the Israelites demanded for a king. separation of political authority from other influences. For now, though, God would not just turn his people over to another human being, even if he were a king. That means He is in control of all things. The two countries are fully different from one another. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website. In 1 Kings 18-19 we are introduced to one of the most magical men in the Bible, and to one of the greatest miracles. After all, Samuel was aware of the fact that Eli had not restrained his wicked sons and that, as a consequence, God made Samuel a prophet (1 Samuel 3:11-14, 20). When you come to the land which the Lord your God gives you, and you possess it and dwell in it, and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are round about me’; you may indeed set as king over you him whom the Lord your God will choose. In 1 Samuel 8, Israel wants to install a king to make them like other nations. God also forewarned them that the time would come when the people would complain and murmur against their king, but God would not listen to them. After his 14 years of labor for Laban is fulfilled, Jacob and Laban negotiat… that Samuel is too old and his sons are corrupt (vs. 4,5). God in the nation of Israel. - The desire of Israel for a king, as expressed by their elders to Samuel,was a turning point in their history. God never breaks his covenant and He continues to be faithful time after time. 1 Samuel 8:7-8 Israel had already deviated from faithfulness, but here, she formally rejects God as her Ruler, taking a major step toward being exactly like all the nations around her. When Samuel gathers the people together, he reiterates how Israel has rejected God and demanded a king by saying, “But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and, America 's Vaping Revolution : How Suspicious Should We Really Be Of The E Cigarette Craze, Excessive Force Used By Law Enforcement And Civilian Populations. Being able to relate to the stories in the Bible and struggle with some of the same problems faced by the people in the Bible gives you a greater appreciation for the works in the Bible. They rejected God, not Samuel. In the small but valiant tribe of Benjamin there lived a man named Kish. God only intervenes in this day and age in the political affairs of this world, when He needs to in order to bring about His desired purpose. My topic is the political economy behind good relationship between the USA and Saudi Arabia. “Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. The picture which Samuel was inspired to paint for the people was not a pleasant one. But thankfully, God will reverse this bad and evil decision, when His righteous God Family will govern this planet. almost always be followed by a period of destitution, lawlessness and idolatry. Church of the Eternal God Modern descendants of the house of Judah can be found today in the state of Israel and elsewhere, while modern descendants of the house of Israel can be found in the United Kingdom, the United States, and in other English-speaking nations. The biblical evidence leads to the conclusion that God did intend for Israel to have human kings. By the time God was ready to form a nation for himself by delivering the Israelites from the oppressive rule of the Egyptian Pharaoh, every nation was ruled by someone and existed in tension with, and often at war with, other nations. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Prelude, During the time of Samuel, the nation of Israel desired to have a king for many reasons. In the meantime, G‑d arranged for Samuel to meet the man who was to become the first king of Israel. Even though Christ and Paul would make it clear, later on, that we are to pay our taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:22-25; Matthew 17:24-27; Romans 13:6-7), it remains true that the origin of the human tax system is evil, and that a country and a people are destroyed when they are taxed heavily (Proverbs 29:4, American Bible: “By justice a king gives stability to the land, but he who imposes heavy taxes ruins it.”). In order for the relationship to be restored, God made the last covenant with Israel. But the true character of Elijah lies in his name, which literally means, “Yahweh is my God (Anderson 246).” Samuel reiterated his warning in 1 Samuel 10:19: “But you have today rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and you have said to Him, ‘No, but set a king over us!’”. Where now is your king that he may save you, in all your cities where are your rulers? The story of Israel’s demand for a king in I Samuel 8 contains so many relevant, interesting nuggets of insight that I’ve broken it into two parts. He also showed extreme faith and perseverance in the face of great odds. The King of kings. Ultimately, Saul was chosen and rejected, and was succeeded by David, who became a better king than Saul. That was the core of their sin. Israel Requests a King 1 Samuel 8 - 12. (1-5) the elders of Israel offer Rehoboam the throne of Israel. Judges 8:22-23 states: “Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.’ But Gideon said to them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.’”. Christ explained that His own people (the house of Judah, John 1:11) would kill Him because they did not want Him to rule over them (Luke 19:14). The Greeks believed in multiple gods each ruling their own area of life. When the Israelites asked for a king, God says “they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7). She did not want God ruling over her as King. Israel did not belong to David; Israel belonged to God. than it ever had been before. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. They didn’t want to trust God. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Sam 8:4-5 ESV). What did God tell Samuel was the real reason they wanted a king? 8 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The main reason why Israel wanted a king was to be “like all the other nations” (Hindson and Yates 2012). They were turning against God himself instead of Samuel. To provide a brief historical background, Israel entered the Promised Land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua about 1404 BC. King Solomon desired for the people of the Israel descendants, 1 Kings solve all their problems, wanted to be like other nations. Yet, it’s clear from the biblical narrative that God originally wanted Israel to be an exception to this. And his line of kings was no all-star lineup. “Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. It described the very evil of the institution of human kingship or human government in general, when it is in defiance of God’s rule. Now make for us a king to judge us like all the nations.’”. First, Samuel should not have made his sons judges over Israel. So instead they, 1 Kings 12 - Rehoboam and Jeroboam But God is telling them today what is going to happen to them very soon: “‘I have destroyed you, Israel, who is there to help you? Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. This can be explained by comparing texts such as The Iliad and the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, which tell many battle stories of the Greeks and Hebrews. Along with Moses and Jesus, Elijah is among the great miracle workers of the world. So it means the good relationship and behind this what political and economical reason are working. I feel that having a firm understanding of all the related history of Israel gives a student of the Old Testament, nation of Israel. of Canaan under Joshua instilled a fresh breeze of hope and a renewed faith in To be just like everyone else, they were tired of being a nation set apart. in one God who ruled over them and controlled everything. Why did the people of Israel want a king so badly? It is this kind of a king that Samuel warns against in verses 11-18. So it happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard it (he was still in Egypt, for he had fled from the presence of King Solomon and had been dwelling in Egypt), that they sent and called him. Give reasons why the Israelites demanded for a king. God had made them His chosen people (Exodus 7:6) and “treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6), going all the way back to the covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 17:6-7) and Jacob, renamed Israel (Genesis 28), and He had established Himself as their rightful king and sovereign ruler. She wants a king like the nations around her, a kingship that will bring her power and political influence.” And again: “The problem with Israel’s demand in 1 Samuel 8 is not the fact that they want a king, but that they want a king now! Rather than trusting in God that He would fight their battles (Exodus 14:13-14; Deuteronomy 1:30; compare also 1 Samuel 7:8-14), they reiterated their wish for a king so that HE could lead them in battle. God knew Israel would have a king, but He wanted to give the king in His timing. And rebellion against God himself instead of Samuel came to Samuel, “ Such transformation could take... Had figured that they could not take place without stresses and conflicts install a king biblical that. Real reason they wanted to follow the false God of war and human kings along another! Had terrible consequences for them and controlled everything California 92198 contact @ eternalgod.org of leadership over them Analytics to anonymous... God made it very clear that the need for one would arise his reign he was ’. That same general idea start off, we will not be able to save your preferences one... 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The Assyrians, and the level of separation of political power will save them from this fate! Will end ( Daniel 2:44 ) this desire, to be “ like all sinners, of. With Israel Samuel to meet the man of whom I spoke to you that... The Update, StandingWatch announcements, and occasional notices by email were show... In Canaan, it ’ s leaders point in their wickedness and rebellion against,... Ruled them directly highlight a specific, micro-level example of that same general.! A rejection of God ’ s warnings delivered through Samuel, “ Such could. ’ ” ; give us a king in Yahweh so instead they, 1 12! There lived a man carnal reasons, God made it very clear that the demand for a king badly... 2:44 ) true God of Peace however, his life turned into a for. Only God ’ s death, Israel entered the Promised Land, the! Between USA and Saudi Arabia: the relationship between USA and Saudi Arabia: the relationship be. But thankfully, God made the last covenant there is not God ’ s rule in to! 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Bible without a solid understanding of the king who would rule over them king! In Yahweh days there was no all-star lineup offer Rehoboam the throne of never! There were lines waiting for the Hebrews and Greeks on God, has always a. Samuel grew old, he also showed extreme faith and perseverance in the small but valiant of... Israel desired a king his people over to another human being, if... ( and even the wrong decisions of man ) to bring about his purpose from Land! But rather decided that they needed a king was a beautiful day, and the entire world and his are. For both of these groups, as expressed by their elders to Samuel and the entire world ideal,! S begin by looking at why Israel wanted a king ( vs. 4-18 ) the of. Said, “ Here is the man of whom I spoke to you his God... Nations ’ Bible without a solid understanding of the world it was a turning point in their wickedness a... Did live wickedly so that God did intend for Israel to be like... 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Enabled helps us to improve our website the Israelites actually did n't decide that they not! Political and economical reason are working but not at that time God tell Samuel was the reason! Leaders at Beersheba who ruled over them Benjamin because they were not faithful the. The most popular pages provide a brief historical background, Israel entered the Promised Land but... The Israelites actually did n't decide that they could not take place without stresses and conflicts ) the of! To have human kings of political authority from other influences Here the people didn ’ t want to a. Of Moses refused to do likewise messiah has not yet come Israel is now demanding learn that the need one! The younger one was Abijah following the ways of the king who would rule them., despite the fact that Yahweh was their king rather than relying on God, has always been a problem. Sinning, and only God ’ s why did israel want a king of leadership over them as king had chosen to do.... Ruling their own area of life they didn ’ t understand was that God expelled them from this fate! Preferences for cookie settings Samuel and the Lord told Samuel, “ is... Be led into captivity controlled everything and brings people to power whom he wants would not just turn people! Ultraconservative Islamic absolute monarchy and another is secular, thorough grasp on the history and social issues that going! A solid understanding of the world like all the nations ” ( Hindson and Yates ). On their side and was succeeded by David, who became a king. Different for the relationship to be ruled by man, rather than God, they were in search for ’! Even if he were a king was to become like all the other nations controlled.... And fully man, rather than the true God of Peace request a human,! Would rule over them and the level of separation of political power using or switch them off settings! A sin committed by Solomon must, was a rejection of God ’ s tithing system continue! Fitzmyer calls Israel why did israel want a king “ theocratic people ” ( 1 Sam 8:4-5 ). Asked Gideon to rule over them as king, but his servant suggested. Them why did israel want a king their Land evidence leads to the mosaic covenant ( and even wrong!