The cry of Israel in 1 Samuel 8 rings astonishingly sinful, as the elders of Israel come to Samuel and say, “…appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5 ESV). The reason such a request is so sinful is because it was a rejection of God as king in Israel (1 Samuel 8:7). You could imagine that the plea for a human king to rule over you when the God of the universe is your king would be more than a little offensive.
Surprisingly (and graciously), however, God allows for such a sinful act to take place! And he instructs Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you…” (1 Samuel 8:7 ESV). Not long after this, king Saul is appointed king in Israel; Israel’s first human king.
Why, in heaven’s name, would God allow this to take place?
The answer to that question is found by looking at the history of Israel and their kings. One by one, from Saul to Zedekiah, and everyone in between, there are NO good kings in Israel. Even David, the “man after God’s own heart” was tragically flawed.
In view of the manifest shortcomings of these kings, the theme is this: No man can be king in Israel! Nevertheless, God allowed human kings to reign, which demonstrated all the more the need for God as king.
And at the appointed time in history, God gave us the perfect king, namely, Jesus. He is the true king “after God’s own heart.” He is better than Saul, better than David, better than Solomon, and on down the line. The true king is Christ. He rules his people with strength, and glory, and honor; leading them in obedience to the heart of God the Father.
Grace to you 🙂
The Pursuit 