1 Samuel 8:1-22
Q.1. Did Samuel’s sons walk in his footsteps? How did their dishonesty impact Israel? How did Samuel respond to their request? What did God advise Samuel to do? – (1 Sam.8:1-9)
Samuel had been consecrated to be a priest from before his birth. He also was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord (1 Sam.1:11; 3:20). As well, he – judged Israel all the days of his life (1 Sam.7:15). Though Samuel – appointed his sons as judges over Israel … His sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice (1 Sam.8:1 & 3). This unsettled the nation. The elders then came to Samuel and said – … Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations (1 Sam.8:5). Samuel was heartbroken. He had been a witness to the wicked sons of Eli. Now the behaviour of his own sons had prompted the leaders to demand a king to rule over them. In his consternation, Samuel prayed to the Lord (1 Sam.8:6). God summed up the actions of Israel – they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them (1 Sam.8:7). God had seen their continual unfaithfulness since the time He brought them up from Egypt. The Lord advised Samuel to accept their request, but to warn them of the downside of having a king (1 Sam.8:7-9). God knew that this would happen, and generations before had provided Moses with guidelines for a king (c.f. Dt.17:14-20).
Q.2. What warning did Samuel give the elders of Israel? Why did the leaders refuse to listen to Samuel? Was Samuel happy? What did God instruct him to do? – (1 Sam.8:10-22)
Samuel returned to the elders of Israel and outlined the huge demands that a king would place upon the people. The king would form an army with chariots and horsemen. He would indulge himself to meet his own domestic whims and fancies. He would amass a host of male and female servants (1 Sam.8:11-17). He would take the best of the land, and all it produced. Should they complain, God would be deaf to their cries (1 Sam.8:18). In spite of the many warnings, the leaders insisted on a king who would lead them into battles – so that we may be like all the nations (1 Sam.8:20). Samuel was clearly not happy, but the Lord told him – Listen to their voice and appoint them a king (1 Sam.8:22). God’s evaluation would prove tragically true, especially for the northern kingdom of Israel.