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. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations."
--1 Samuel 8:4-5 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on May 11, 2013 of Psalm 89:30-37; Mark 11:27-12:17; 1 Samuel 8-10:8.
Samuel lived at the end of the time when the judges ruled Israel. In fact, he ended the period when he anointed Saul as king. Before that act, though, Samuel had appointed his own two sons as judges. But they failed to behave as proper, responsible leaders of the people, even stooping so low as to accept bribes and pervert justice, all for personal gain (please see verse 3). Understandably upset, the elders of the children of Israel came to Samuel and pleaded with him. They wanted a king. Samuel was not too thrilled with the idea as he thought that God should be their King and He is sufficient. So he talked it over with the Lord, and to his surprise God encouraged him to do as the people asked. So Samuel set Saul up as the first king of Israel, a striking young man who God Himself had chosen to lead His people.
Now God had made allowances for the appointment of a king back during the days of Moses and establishment of the law (please reference Deuteronomy 17:14-20). And the elders gave seemingly logical and legitimate reasons for wanting a king. Samuel was old and would soon be to infirm to continue as a judge, to rule over them in matters both civil and martial. His sons were not carrying on the tradition of judges, were not judging justly and could not be trusted to do the right thing. The people needed a new, competent military commander, one who would lead their armed men and fight their battles for them (please see a little later on, in verse 20). But perhaps dearer to their hearts, they wanted a king because everyone else had one. All the countries and nations around Israel were ruled by kings so they wanted a king of their own. They rejected God as their true King, preferring a man to hold rule over them. God said OK, but it would be the man of His choosing.
Americans don't serve under kings, nor recognize their authority to reign over us. Indeed, we rebelled from them and won our independence to rule ourselves. But too many have forgotten that God is still our King and Him do we serve. Moreover, the Apostle Paul tells us that no matter what form of government we live under nor who rules over us, no authority exists except that which comes from God and those that do exist are appointed by God (Romans 13:1). The elders failed to recognize this; another lesson the people had to learn the hard way. We need to be wiser than they and not forget or deny Who we really serve, lest we be taught the same lesson. Jesus is the King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14, 19:16). Serve Him. Amen.
Lord God, may we never forget that all authority exists at Your allowance, that You see to the appointment of all authorities. Forgive us, please Father, when we deny Your sovereign rule over us and over all creation. May we forever and always acknowledge that Jesus Christ our Savior is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Now God had made allowances for the appointment of a king back during the days of Moses and establishment of the law (please reference Deuteronomy 17:14-20). And the elders gave seemingly logical and legitimate reasons for wanting a king. Samuel was old and would soon be to infirm to continue as a judge, to rule over them in matters both civil and martial. His sons were not carrying on the tradition of judges, were not judging justly and could not be trusted to do the right thing. The people needed a new, competent military commander, one who would lead their armed men and fight their battles for them (please see a little later on, in verse 20). But perhaps dearer to their hearts, they wanted a king because everyone else had one. All the countries and nations around Israel were ruled by kings so they wanted a king of their own. They rejected God as their true King, preferring a man to hold rule over them. God said OK, but it would be the man of His choosing.
Americans don't serve under kings, nor recognize their authority to reign over us. Indeed, we rebelled from them and won our independence to rule ourselves. But too many have forgotten that God is still our King and Him do we serve. Moreover, the Apostle Paul tells us that no matter what form of government we live under nor who rules over us, no authority exists except that which comes from God and those that do exist are appointed by God (Romans 13:1). The elders failed to recognize this; another lesson the people had to learn the hard way. We need to be wiser than they and not forget or deny Who we really serve, lest we be taught the same lesson. Jesus is the King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14, 19:16). Serve Him. Amen.
Lord God, may we never forget that all authority exists at Your allowance, that You see to the appointment of all authorities. Forgive us, please Father, when we deny Your sovereign rule over us and over all creation. May we forever and always acknowledge that Jesus Christ our Savior is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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