To Desire a King

Reading:   1 Samuel 5-8

The people desired a king.  Samuel knew that such a desire would only bring wickedness to the people but he could not sway their united call.  Samuel's sons (like Eli's before him), were wicked and the people were therefore fearful that they would not be lead righteously when Samuel passed, he was quite old.   Samuel listened to their concerns for an annointed king and then brought their plea unto God...

1 SAMUEL 8:7

7    And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 

Isn't that interesting?  God went on to explain the bleak future of the people should they commence with their appetite for a king and Samuel relayed the prophesy (v. 10-18).  Still, despite the warning, all desired a ruler and The Lord said, "Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king (v. 22)."

Reading through this chapter, I could not help but remember the same scenario happening with the Jaredites (Ether Chapter 8).  As Jared and his brother neared the end of their lives the people desired a king, and though the brothers refused to annoint one, they allowed the people their fervent need and a king was crowned.  Two generations ruled in honor and righteousness, but as was prophesied, the people eventually fell into captivity, war, and all manner of wickedness (see Cain - Gift of Secret Oaths).

The same is surely to happen with the Israelites as they move to a more secular leadership.  It is a subtle rejection of God that may not manifest itself in one or two generations but will eventually remove God completely from the house of rule...wait, is that happening today as well?  Has God been slowly pushed out of politics and our governing body...yes!  Where do we go from here?

~Kipling