Day 98

Israel Asks for a King

1 Samuel 8:1–22

After seven months, the Philistines returned the ark of the covenant. Samuel judged Israel in peace. The people broke their idols and served the Lord. But the twelve tribes wanted a king.

“You’re growing old and your sons cannot rule well,” they said. “Choose a king for us like the nations have.”

Samuel wasn’t happy. He was afraid a king would turn Israel from God. But God said, “Do what they want, Samuel. They’re not leaving you but me and have been ever since coming out of Egypt.”

“A king will take your sons away to be servants and soldiers,” Samuel said. “They’ll do his farming and build weapons for war. He’ll take your best farms for his friends. Your daughters will cook and serve in his palace. The best flocks will be his, and you’ll be his slaves. A king will make you weep and cry.”

The elders refused his advice. “We want to be like the nations,” they replied. “Give us a king to rule us and lead us into battle.”

God said to Samuel, “Give them a king.” So Samuel sent them away.

Questions: Why did Israel want a king? Why didn’t Samuel want Israel to have a king?