To this point Israel has had judges to interpret and apply the law, and to lead the people against their enemies. Bu the people demand a king, like the other nations have. As Samuel realizes the time has come to appoint his successor, the leaders of the tribes come to him and demand a king. Samuel takes the question to God, who says:
8:7 "…Listen to 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. 8 Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. 9 Now then, listen to their voice; only — you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them."
Samuel warns them that a king will be an oppressor of the people, but they say:
8:19… "No! but we are determined to have a king over us, 20 so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles."
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| Samuel blesses Saul |
So Saul, who stands “head and shoulders” above all the others is found and anointed as the first king of Israel. He has an auspicious start, but is he the right king for Israel?
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