Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
Why did Israel want a king? 1 Samuel 8:4-22 In 1 Samuel 8:4-22, Israel demanded a king primarily to be like the surrounding nations, to secure more effective military leadership against threats, and because Samuel's sons were corrupt, dishonest judges. This request, while rooted in practical concerns, was viewed by God as a rejection of His divine leadership, signalling a preference for human power over divine protection. Samuel had grown old, and his sons, Joel and Abijah, whom he appointed as judges, were corrupt, taking bribes and perverting justice. The elders explicitly stated they wanted a king "to judge us like all the other nations". They wanted a visible leader who would "go out before us and fight our battles". This request came despite God's history of delivering them from enemies like the Philistines and Ammonites. God told Samuel that the request was not a personal rejection of him, but a rejection of God as their King. Although God instructed Samuel to warn them, the people insisted on having a king. Samuel warned that this King would: Conscript their sons for chariots and army service. Take their daughters to be cooks, bakers, and perfumers. Confiscate the best fields, vineyards, and olive orchards. Impose taxes on produce and livestock, effectively leading to servitude. Nearly 400 years after the Exodus and over 800 years after God's covenant with Abraham, the Israelites requested a human king to lead them, even as the other nations had human monarchs. The menace of Philistine and Ammonite aggression evidently contributed to the Israelites' desire for a visible royal commander-in-chief. They thus displayed a lack of faith in God's ability to protect, guide, and provide for them, as a nation or as individuals. (1Sa 8:4-8) The people's motive was wrong. But God allowed it, and as the points above highlight, they got more than they bargained for.
Shirley H
Supporter
Genesis 49:10: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a law giver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people." The scepter is a symbol of authority. Shiloh is an obscure word that probably means "to whom it belongs." The One to whom all authority belongs. Shiloh, like seed (Genesis 3:15), is the name for the coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:1-6: Look at the government of the Promised Son. I believe that they wanted Jesus to come. Numbers 24:17: "I see Him now; I behold Him, but not near..." Deuteronomy 17:14,15: "When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, 'I will set a king over me like all the nations around me' you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as a king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother." Kingship was not wrong in itself. The people clearly stated that they wanted to 'blend,' be like the nations surrounding them. They wanted a king to lead them in battles! God had chosen the nation to be different. He had blessed them with prophets and judges. Read chapter 8 of 1 Samuel. They got more than they asked for.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible