1 Samuel 8

Please read the whole chapter and feel free to post a reply even before you read my thoughts. If you don't have a Bible with you, you can follow this link to the passage: 1 Samuel 8

At first the Israelite's request for a king seems like a practical concern. But then comes their real reason for wanting one, verse 20 "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and go out before us and fight our battles." This is why God tells Samuel that the people are rejecting Him and not Samuel. It was Yahweh who had delivered them from Egypt, who had given them victory over their enemies, but they want a new national symbol.

Again this section is about the issue of trust. The people did not trust God enough to rely solely on Him and they wanted someone else they could rely on, a king. Of course, Samuel was right about what would happen when the people allowed themselves to be ruled by anyone other than God. And even when God came to them in Jesus Christ they were confused about what sort of king the Messiah would be. As we wait to celebrate Christ's birth it is helpful to reflect on what things we allow to rule us in this life, and give thanks that we have a king who has freed us from such unnecessary bondage.