We Want a King
Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have. 1 Samuel 8:5b
Perhaps you are familiar with the adage, “Be careful what you wish for, you just may get it.” What were the Israelites thinking? God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and remained faithful to them even though they turned away from Him many times.
Israel’s obsession was to be like the nations around them. They did not want the prophet Samuel to lead them anymore. In their eyes, it was not enough to have God as their King, leading the people through His prophet, Samuel, who was getting older. They did not trust God to give them a prophet of His choosing. To be like other nations, they wanted to have a human king.
The elders came with a demand to Samuel: “Appoint a king to lead us, such as all the nations have.” They saw other nations that were making a difference and gaining power. Those nations all had a king who could make things happen and take over weaker nations. They wanted a king they could see, touch, and hear. God warned the people of the dangers of a human king, that the king would take far more than he would ever give the people.
Israel’s demand for a king would give them King Saul. Saul had all the visible features of success (tall, dark, and handsome), but he would soon turn against God and do things his own way (1 Samuel 9-15). The people got a visible, untested king rather than the wise, loving, and faithful God they could not see.
Even then, God knew He would give His people the perfect King in His Son Jesus Christ. May we continue to put our trust and hope in Him.
Loving God, we admit that we lean too much on what we can see right in front of us. Help us to see all of Your faithfulness working in the background of our lives, and in this world You created, love and sustain. In Jesus our true King, Amen.