Israel Demands a King

There is probably no passage in the Bible which better reflects the dangers of human government than I Samuel 8. Israel seeks a king to bring them security and prosperity, but Samuel warns them that they will pay a great price for the ruler they demand. Our politicians often campaign as messiah's promising change which will make us secure from war, disease, injustice, and poverty. Sadly, they too fail to deliver.

This passage, however, is not primarily about politics. When Israel's leaders seek a king, they are guilty of rejecting God as their king. They want to be like the other nations, instead of being holy (separate) as God is holy. They look to a man to give them victory in battle, rather than the LORD who has repeatedly delivered them.

The church, God's kingdom on earth, is often guilty of looking to men (both political and spiritual leaders) rather than God. Those who put their hope in men will reap the consequences, which include having leaders who take away their possessions and their freedom. There is another King who gives instead of taking. The majority rejected Him, but all who follow Him find His yoke to be easy and His burden light. He alone brings salvation to His people and heaven to earth. He is worthy of our devotion and our praise.