The People Reject God as King

God's Exceptional Choice  Out of Slavery - Into Nationhood Who Is Kib Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)  1 Samuel 8:1-9 The Voice 8 When Samuel was old, he named his sons judges of Israel to rule over the people and be their deliverers. 2 His first son, Joel, and his second son, Abijah, were judges in Beersheba, 3 but they were not like Samuel. They profited from dishonesty, took bribes, and fostered injustice. 4 So the elders of Israel gathered and came to Ramah to tell Samuel. Elders: 5 You have grown old, Samuel, and your sons do not administer justice the way that you did. Before things worsen, appoint a king to rule us, as other nations have. 6 This request—"appoint a king to rule us"—bothered Samuel, so he prayed to the Eternal One 7 and received an answer. Eternal One (to Samuel): Listen to what the people are asking you to do. It is not a rejection of you—it is a rejection of My rule over them. 8 It is what they have always done, from the day I brought them out of Egypt until today, rejecting Me and serving other gods. Now they are just doing it to you. 9 So listen to what they are asking you to do, but make it plain to them what they are asking. Warn them about what will happen if a king is appointed to rule them. For Reflection So many of the sons of righteous fathers do not turn out to be so righteous? The sons of Samuel did not follow in his ways. His sons turned away from the Lord, seeking money, taking bribes, and perverting justice. The people became fed up with the judges and wanted a king like the other nations. God advised Samuel to let the people have their way. God also told Samuel to warn the people that they may not like what happens when a King is appointed. Pray Pray, and God will give you what you have asked for. But it might not be what you expected. So, ask away. Just be careful about what it is that you want. Forward to a friend Sign up for our mailing list!