This chapter contains Israel’s request (demand, really) for a king, and Samuel’s (God’s) warning against it.
“But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, ‘No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.’ And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Obey their voice and make them a king.’ ” (v19-22a)
The elders of Israel demanded a king. Samuel conveys to them a long list of things the king will do to the people, not for the people (v10-18), but they won’t listen. Despite the previous generation of Israel listening to Samuel, this new generation (v1 says Samuel is now an old man) disregards Samuel’s guidance and wisdom from God. Though it’s not God’s preference (He prefers they serve Him as their King), He commands Samuel to give the people what they want.
Here’s the even more disappointing part: Israel wants to “be like other nations” (v20). In Deu. 7:6 it says ““For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” God set these people apart from the rest of the world and called them His treasured possession, yet they now request to be treated exactly like the rest of the world – this feels like a giant step backward. If God’s treasured possession looks and acts like everyone else in the world, where does their uniqueness lie? Are they still set apart? Side note: This request must be heartbreaking for God and Samuel.
Catching up to modern times, it says in 1 Pet 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” This similar wording to Due. states we are still a chosen people, plus we have received a promotion – we are not only a treasured possession, we are also a royal priesthood in the spiritual lineage of Jesus. How amazing is that?
Unfortunately, many people make the same mistake today that Israel made back then – they reject Jesus and God as their King and want to look more like the people of this world. There are so many warnings against this behavior, including this famous verse: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2) God longs for His people to look like Jesus, not like the rest of the world.
My encouragement today is to make a conscious decision to take action – we either continue to look more like Christ, serving God as our King, or we continue to look more like those of this world, serving Satan as king – there isn’t a neutral option. Remember we cannot serve two masters (Mt 6:24). We must choose a master (preferably God), and then actively serve the king we choose. By our obedience we set an example for those around us as well. When they see us loving and serving our Sovereign King, and see the Fruit of His Spirit in our lives, they will hopefully choose to serve God as well.
Father God, our Most High and Sovereign King, You alone are worthy of our praise and obedience. Father thank you for the gift of Jesus, who modeled service and obedience to You. Thank you for the gift of Your Spirit, who gives us the tools and skills we need to discern Your will in our lives. And thank you for the gift of service, that others may see our obedience and the Fruit of Your Spirit and long to serve You as well. To You be all glory, praise, thankfulness and honor, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training