09: What is wrong in their seeking a king? ( 1Samuel 8:1 – 22)

As Samuel aged and his sons mirrored the failures of Hophni and Phinehas, the people grew weary of the inconsistent and unreliable leadership. Seeking stability and security, they demanded the establishment of a monarchy.

πŸ‘‰ Read 1Samuel 8:1 - 22


Q1. What displeased God about their request for a king? 

They rejected God as their king and His way of governing Israel.

When the Lord brought the Israelites into Canaan, He established not a centralized government but a theocratic and self-governing society based on adherence to God's words. They didn't maintain a standing army or government officials; leaders were raised only during invasions to lead the battle. Under the leadership of these appointed judges, the Lord delivered them. However, once a judge died, the nation often fell prey to their enemies again, due to persistent sins that the judges couldn't fully eradicate.

The failure of Samuel's sons, mirroring the failures of Hophni and Phinehas, spurred the people to seek a monarchy to break the cycle of national insecurity. Instead of pursuing true repentance as they had under Samuel's leadership, they aimed to establish a monarchy they believed would ensure security for future generations. Ironically, the monarchy expedited Israel's downfall because of the evil kings.



Q2. What were Samuel's warnings about having a king like other nations? (v11-13, v14-17, v18)

The king will make your sons and daughters as His slaves.

The king will take away your possessions.

God won't listen to your cry when the king oppresses you. (For they wanted security and safety through a king, not God).



Q3. Why did they want a king like other nations? (20)

They wanted a warrior king who would save them in the battle.


The Israelites prioritized safety from their enemies above all, showing a lack of trust in God's protection. God promised to protect them if they obeyed His commands, but they sought guaranteed safety irrespective of their sins. This reflects a broader truth: prioritizing wealth and security over spiritual commitments can lead us to abandon our faith in Jesus.



Q4. Why do you think God allowed their request even though He disliked it? (7-9, 22)

They have rejected God since the exodus (8). 

That implies that their rebellious nature would persist regardless of their government system, whether monarchy or not. Allowing their request would help them realize that the true danger to the nation was their inherent sinfulness, not the lack of a monarchy.




Do you support God's approach to handling your life? Are you joyfully and trustfully following His path? If you prioritize wealth and security above God and seek worldly sources of security, He may allow you to follow the path you insist on. However, this path will ultimately lead to failure and require you to retrace your steps, wasting time.


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