Ungrateful Elders

Samuel had judged Israel from his youth.

He had been a righteous and impartial judge, faithful in all his work. He was becoming old; and the people saw that his sons did not follow his footsteps.

Although they were not vile, like the children of Eli, yet they were dishonest and double-minded. While they aided their father in his laborious work, their love of reward led them to favor the cause of the unrighteous.” Israel’s tribal elders came to Samuel and asked him to appoint a king to judge them like all the nations. God had told Moses the people would eventually ask for a king “like as all the nations” (Deuteronomy 17:14).

This must have hurt Samuel deeply, for they were seeking no less than to replace him. The Israelites once again were reasoning without asking God for guidance.

Samuel tried to warn them that this decision would bring upon them a curse, but they added a second reason for wanting a king.

A king would fight their battles for them.

Having lost sight of the times the Lord had interposed and led them to victory over their enemies, they sought tribal consolidation under a king for mutual defense against invaders. “Israel again proceeded to do precisely what they had done for centuries—move without awaiting divine guidance. . . . Although the elders were probably moved solely by political motives, Samuel showed them the better way—seeking the Lord in prayer.” The elders had not considered future consequences beyond solving their immediate invasion problem.

“At the beginning of his judgeship Samuel had shown the people that the real solution of their troubles was not a change of administration but rather a change of heart, a contrite turning to the Lord.” Do not be too quick to judge the Israelites for failing to consult God regarding their plans. Modern-day Christians too often do the same thing.