thinking bible.

You asked

how does this compare to earlier israelite understandings of god's role in appointing kings?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

1 Samuel 8:6-7

But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." Samuel prayed to Yahweh. Yahweh said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them."

This passage is set during the time when Samuel, a prophet and judge, led the people of Israel. The elders of Israel approached Samuel, requesting a king to rule over them, like the surrounding nations. Samuel was upset by this request and sought guidance from God.

When we seek solutions that resemble those of the world around us, what might we be overlooking about God's preferred way of working?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Deuteronomy 17:14-15

    This earlier law anticipates a future king, but sets conditions for how one should be chosen and rule.

  • 1 Samuel 10:24

    After this, God directs Samuel to anoint Saul, acknowledging the people's desire despite the earlier displeasure.

  • Hosea 13:10-11

    Hundreds of years later, God reflects on giving Israel a king, noting it was given in anger and taken away in wrath.

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