DAY 235 – BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR –THE UNITED MONARCHY

BUT THE THING DISPLEASED SAMUEL WHEN THEY SAID, “GIVE US A KING TO JUDGE US.” 

Reading: 1 Samuel 8: 1-22 

Many centuries later, at the time of our reading for today, Moses’ prophetic words came to pass when the people of God asked Samuel to give them a king to rule over them. At this time in history judges ruled over the united kingdom of Israel. They had the Law of Moses to live by and Samuel as their prophet and judge. Samuel’s sons were due to replace him as judges in Israel, but they were corrupt and could not fill their father’s shoes..hence the people’s request for a king. 

Although the people had just cause to reject Samuel’s son, it is also apparent that their motives were not pure. The problem was not so much in their asking for a king, for that was always God’s long term plan for them, the problem was that they had rejected God as their King, and desired to be ‘like the other nations’. They wanted to be ruled by a man they could see, a king dressed in fine clothes to ride ahead of them in battle. 

Note that they were looking for a king to lead them into battle and fight for them. Indeed they did receive a line of kings who led them into battle. Ultimately, this looks forward to Jesus as the future King of God’s people who fights for us and has defeated sin, Satan and death on our behalf. 

Dear Father, we want You as our King. If You are for us, who (of any significance) can be against us. 

Are we fooled by appearances?

Read 1 Samuel 8: 1-22 in a Children’s Bible and/or watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR6ZNFbUJ-w&feature=youtu.be about the people asking for a king. Only watch from the beginning to 3: 58