1 Samuel 8:20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
As I read 1 Samuel 8:20, Exodus 14:14 came to mind: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The Israelites had this promise, but they wanted to “be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us….” Honestly, it makes me sad. They had something so beautiful–a heavenly King to fight for them–but they wanted to be like everyone else instead.
1 Samuel 8:21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord.
It doesn’t seem so different to me from the scenes when Jesus was led to His death. The people wanted a savior to overthrow the Romans, someone who could save Himself and them. They thought political freedom was the end goal. They didn’t realize that Jesus’s goal was much higher, much broader, much better.
1 Samuel 8:22a The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”
Precious Savior, Forgive us for all the times we get it so very wrong. Help us to have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to recognize You. Root us in Your love, Your mercy, Your grace. Amen.
1 Samuel 8:22b …Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”
Have a blessed day.