1 Samuel 8
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 8
Give us a king!
The bulk of Samuel’s life and ministry is passed over until chapter 8 where we find him as a man getting up in his years, perhaps looking toward retirement.
He appointed his sons as judges over Israel..Unfortunately, his two sons were not godly men like their father; they do not “walk in his ways.” (1 Sam 8:3)
The elders made use of this as an excuse to demand — not request, a king like all the nations have.
Initially I tried to step into the shoes of the elders..well, it does sound right to appoint a King to replace the corrupt sons. After all, isn’t that for the greater good?
Sometimes we often use ” the greater good” to justify our actions but what is greater good for men may be wrong in eyes of God.
Who then do follow?
God has told them that He will always be their God and King and that they should only worship Him. They did not like that God appointed Judges to save and fight for them.They simply want a king to be their judge, rather than having a judge like Samuel. They sought for a cure that is worse than their problem.
Samuel is not at all pleased with the elders’ proposal and he knows that their request is wrong and sinful. Over here we see his response which confirms his godly character.
Instead of reacting in disapproval and anger, he goes to God in prayer.
One of the “investments” that Brother Pau Fah mentioned in his sermon last Friday was in prayer.
It is interesting to note in verse 21, Samuel repeated the words of the people to God. Does God not hear what the people are saying?
Of course He does!
Why then do we need to pray, since God already knows our needs (Matthew 6:32)?
We need to share our burdens with Him.
Samuel tells God everything the people say, not because God needs to be informed, but because Samuel needs intimacy with God.
We too need to have this close relationship with God, and prayers can establish this closeness with Him.
Yesterday biblereadingcompanion mentioned in his writeup that the only confessing and serious prayer is done in church.
Have you prayed today?
In giving us what we so desperately want, God disciplines us so that we learn to leave these things in His hands. We must focus on seeking God first, and trust Him to add all those things He deems best for us (see Matthew 6:33).
Easier said than done…Let us be cautious that our requests to God are not demands. (Phil 4:6)
Let us learn from the Israelites of old so that we need not tread on the path they had to walk.
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PS
Moses set up the system of rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens in Exodus 18:24.
In Book of Joshua, each of the twelve tribes had rulers (Joshua 22:14)
1 Sam 8:3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonesty gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
Were Joel and Abijah, the only 2 who administered the Israelites? There should be other rulers for example those of the individual tribes.
If Joel and Abijah received dishonest gain & bribes and perverted justice. Who did they receive them from? The children of Israel?
1 Sam 8:7-8 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should no reign over them. According to the work which they have done since the dau that I brought them out of Egypt, even to this day – with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods – so they are doing to you also.”
The people had forsaken God. The “bad judges” was just an excuse.
At the place where God chooses to make His name abides (Duet 16:11), it is for the sake of His people, for His name sake.
Bad judges might not break God’s heart.
Rejection from His children does (Psalm 14:-3).
With everyday which we receive from God, serve Him only.