1Sam010 Christ's Kingship Rejected

Oh what a difference a generation can make! The last time Israel was gathered together before Samuel they were repenting (ch.7) and this time they gather together in rebellion. In asking Samuel to appoint them a king "like all the other nations" they reject the Lord's kingship and their holy status as a covenant people. After hearing Samuel testify to them about the terms of this kind of kingship, the people of God double down on their desire to have their king, even though they are told it means a return to slavery for them and will result in the Lord turning a deaf ear to their prayers. Chapter 8 ends on the note that every man returned to his city, leaving suspense about what the Lord will do.