Plotline - 1 Samuel 8

Setting: Peace is threatened

Conflict: Israel proposes solution

Resolution: God gives Israel what they want

New Setting: Monarchy is established

1 Samuel 8:5,20

5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

… 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

• Was it God’s will for Israel to have a king?
• What’s wrong with Israels request for a king? (v5,20)
• Why does God tell Samuel to “obey” the Israelites? (v7,9,22)

1 Samuel 8:7,9,20

7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them … 9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

… 22 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.” Samuel then said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.”

• Was it God’s will for Israel to have a king?
• What’s wrong with Israels request for a king? (v5,20)
• Why does God tell Samuel to “obey” the Israelites? (v7,9,22)