1st Samuel 8: 19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, no; but we will have a king over us. 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.
When the focus of persons is removed from God, it is inevitable that they will ascribe success or victory to the human agent, and this in turn often goes to the dear leader’s head. For example, under the new earthly monarchial system, the Jews now praise the human agent, and leave God out of the picture.
1st Samuel 18: 6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten-thousands.
Last week we studied a singular and very important question: “Lord, why don’t you stop me if you see me doing something stupid? Here it is again, as The Lord first gives the nation a heads up of the dangers that would accrue, if they persist in their request of a king. They stubbornly persist, and the rest is history.
1st Samuel 8:8 And Saul was very upset and the saying displeased him; and he said, they have ascribed unto David ten-thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!