Israel Demands a King

God is faithful. Even if people are rebellious He shows love and warns concerning destructive consequences of rebellion.1 Samuel 8:7 - And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. The followings are discussed: Israel Rebellious Demand; God's Providence, and Saul Anointed and Proclaimed King.

Israel Rebellious Demand: The people of Israel were being ruled by Judges who doubled as the spiritual and national leaders. God didn't want them to have a king until the appropriate time (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). But the people thought they had arrived to decide for themselves with help of a national leader instead of depending upon God. Though they stated concerning Samuel's old age, misbehaviors of his children who he had appointed as Judges over Israel as the main reasons for their demand, the real motive of their demand was to be like other nations being ruled by kings (1 Samuel 8:1-8 ). They believed such leader would build a powerful army that could  fight for them. Samuel was annoyed by the request that was against the plan of God. He applied wisdom by taken the matter God in prayer. God said the people had rebelled against Him and reminded Samuel of similar rebellious behavior against Moses (Exodus 16:8 ) and told him to give them what they wanted.

Samuel warned the people against unforeseen consequences of installing a leader after rebellious action. He listed various ways the king would impact the land and make life difficult for the people. Such troubles would be against God's promise of blessing and faithfulness (1 Samuel: 9-22). God also told Samuel that the people would eventually know the error of their demand, but it would be too late to correct their mistake. The elders rejected Samuel's warning and were determined to work in line with the ill-advised demand.

God's Providence Demonstrated: God initiated the process of finding and appointing a king for Israel with what happened in Saul's family. Saul's father sent Saul and one servant out to find the missing donkeys. God worked through the circumstance to raise Saul as the king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-18). God had revealed the person of Saul to Samuel and allowed the incidence that would bring the two together. After the futile efforts of finding the donkeys Saul decided to go and meet Samuel who could reveal secrets as a prophet. When they met Samuel gave Saul special treatment as a priest and talked about the leadership position he would occupy in Israel. Saul was surprised over the reception and the word spoken concerning him. He reacted with humility, noting that he was from the smallest tribe of Benjamin and the smallest family of the tribe. God can choose and use whoever He wants to fulfill His purpose irrespective of the background of such person.

Saul Anointed and Proclaimed the King: Samuel anointed Saul in preparation for his coronation as the king. He told Saul three things that would happen on his way back home. He would meet two men that would confirm safety of his father's donkeys; he would meet three travelers who would give him loaves of bread (a gift) meant for a priest; and third, he would meet a company of prophets and prophesy with them (1 Samuel 9: 25-27; 10:1-13). Thereafter, Samuel would go and meet him at the territory of Benjamite where he would offer the necessary sacrifices to affirm Saul's kingship. The three signs were fulfilled and people were surprised to see Saul prophesying among the prophets.

Saul's coronation was held at Mizpeh and at the event Samuel cast lots to further reveal and confirm Saul as the king God had choosing for Israel. While Saul was reluctant and hiding among supplies, people hailed him as the king (1Samuel 10:14-27). Some people were however skeptical and showed contempt for installation of Saul as the king. Such people couldn't believe it was God that has chosen Saul. There will be serious consequences when people reject God's plan and decide to follow their own ways. It is important to submit to God's will and follow His way which offers the best results. Lesson texts: 1 Samuel 8:1 thru 10:27.