There's an old Joni Mitchell song in which she sings, "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got til its gone." This can certainly apply to the numerous situations in which Israel found themselves in the Old Testament.
The ebb and flow of their devotion to God caused them hardship and misery many times over. After a string of temporary leaders during the time of Judges, they decided to take a different path; one that included a more permanent ruler.
Israel saw other nations around them being led by a king, and thought this could be the answer to all their troubles. A king, they thought, would bring them more security against their enemies, besides giving them someone to honor.
Not satisfied with their situation, they ask Samuel to set a king over them (1 Samuel 8:4; 1 Samuel 8:5). Samuel takes this matter to God (1 Samuel 8:6). And though not pleased, He instructs Samuel to appoint a king, which was Saul.
Israel desiring a king was nothing new, it had been something they thought about since the time of Gideon. Nor did this necessarily conflict with the appointment of Israel as a kingdom of God.
It was the motive behind it that was, both, wrong and hateful towards God. The root of all of Israel's wickedness and adversities could be traced back to their apostasy from God, and its unfaithfulness with heathen gods.
Moses had prophesied about this years before (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Obviously, Israel hadn't really learned from their mistakes. Even when Samuel, following God's instructions, warned them of the cost of their actions, they still proceeded.
We, today, are not immune from falling into the pattern of of thinking we can do better without God's help. However, it rarely turns out well in the end. By leaving God out of our lives, we take a big risk.
To reject living under God's rule leaves us vulnerable to uncertainty and potential disaster. We have seen this happen to different people at different times throughout the Bible. And, if it could happen to them... it can happen to us, too!
Scripture: 1 John 2:15; James 1:14; Colossians 3:5; Romans 2:8; Romans 12:3
Prayer: Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me, amen. - Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)
Blessings always,
Cyndy
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