From Theocracy to Monarchy: Israel’s Demand for a King

Welcome to Day 74 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are beginning the book of 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 8-10, Israel undergoes a major transition from being ruled directly by God through judges to establishing a monarchy. The people demand a king, rejecting God’s leadership, and despite Samuel’s warnings of the consequences, God grants their request. Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, is divinely chosen and anointed by Samuel. Through a series of providential encounters, Saul is confirmed as Israel’s first king, though he initially struggles with self-doubt. His public selection solidifies God’s choice, but questions remain about his readiness to lead. These chapters highlight the tension between human desires and divine authority, showing how God's plans unfold even when His people make imperfect choices.

1 Samuel Chapter 8: As Samuel grows old, the Israelites become dissatisfied with the leadership of his corrupt sons and demand a king like the surrounding nations. Samuel is displeased but seeks God’s guidance, and God reveals that their request is a rejection of His rule, not Samuel’s leadership. God instructs Samuel to warn the people about the burdens a king will place on them—high taxes, forced labor, and military conscription. Despite these warnings, the Israelites insist, demonstrating their desire for human leadership over divine governance. God allows their request, telling Samuel to anoint a king for them. This chapter marks a turning point, where Israel shifts from trusting God’s rule to seeking security in a human leader.

1 Samuel Chapter 9: Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, sets out in search of his father’s lost donkeys and unknowingly embarks on a divine appointment. Along with his servant, he seeks help from Samuel, who has already received revelation from God that Saul is to be Israel’s first king. When Saul arrives, Samuel treats him with great honor, inviting him to a feast and revealing his special calling. Saul, however, is overwhelmed and doubts his worthiness due to his humble background. This chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty in orchestrating events and choosing unlikely individuals for His purposes. Saul’s journey for lost donkeys becomes a path to his destiny, illustrating how God guides even the ordinary moments of life for His greater plan.

1 Samuel Chapter 10: Samuel anoints Saul privately, pouring oil on his head as a sign of God’s chosen ruler. He gives Saul prophetic signs to confirm his calling, including encountering a group of prophets and experiencing the Spirit of God. As these signs are fulfilled, Saul is transformed, but he remains hesitant about stepping into his new role. Later, Samuel gathers the people to publicly select their king, and despite knowing he is chosen, Saul hides among the baggage. Once found, he is presented before Israel, and the people respond with mixed reactions—some celebrate, while others doubt him. This chapter highlights God’s empowerment, human insecurity, and the beginning of Saul’s reign, setting the stage for Israel’s new era of monarchy.

From Loss to Redemption: A Journey of Faith and Favor

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The book of 1 Samuel is named after Samuel, the prophet and judge who played a significant role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of Israel’s monarchy. The name Samuel comes from the Hebrew "Šəmuʾēl", which is often interpreted as "heard by God" or "name of God." This reflects how Samuel’s mother, Hannah, prayed for a son, and God answered her request (1 Samuel 1:20).

Purpose of the Book:

The primary purpose of 1 Samuel is to document the shift in Israel’s leadership from judges to kings. It highlights the establishment of monarchy, focusing on three key figures: Samuel (the last judge), Saul (Israel’s first king), and David (Israel’s greatest king-to-be). The book demonstrates God’s sovereignty in appointing leaders, the consequences of obedience and disobedience, and how God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 1 Samuel is uncertain, but Jewish tradition (Talmud - Baba Bathra 14b-15a) attributes it to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad based on 1 Chronicles 29:29, which states:

"Now the acts of King David, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer."

This suggests that Samuel wrote the portions covering his life (1 Samuel 1-24), while Nathan and Gad may have contributed the rest after Samuel’s death. Other biblical references to Samuel’s writings include 1 Samuel 10:25, which states that Samuel recorded events in a book and laid it before the Lord.

Outside the Bible, Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian from the 1st century, supports the view that prophets recorded historical events, affirming Samuel’s role in writing and preserving Israel’s history (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 6, Chapter 13).

Key People:

Samuel – The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a priest who anoints both Saul and David as kings.
Saul – The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience.
David – A shepherd who is anointed as Saul’s successor; he defeats Goliath and gains fame.
Hannah – Samuel’s mother, who prayed for a child and dedicated him to God.
Eli – The high priest who raises Samuel but fails to correct his wicked sons.
Jonathan – Saul’s son and David’s close friend, known for his loyalty and bravery.
Goliath – The Philistine giant defeated by David with a slingshot and faith in God.
Doeg the Edomite – A servant of Saul who betrays and kills the priests of Nob.
Abigail – A wise woman who prevents David from committing bloodshed and later becomes his wife.

Conclusion

The book of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel’s history, shifting from the era of judges to the establishment of monarchy under Saul and David. It highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and rejecting leaders, emphasizing that obedience and faithfulness matter more than outward appearances. Ultimately, 1 Samuel sets the stage for God's covenant with David, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah through his lineage.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 1 Samuel 8, God’s character is revealed as both sovereign and patient. Though the Israelites reject His rule by demanding a king, He does not respond with immediate wrath but instead allows them to make their choice while warning them of the consequences. He is a just God who honors free will but also ensures His people understand the cost of their decisions. His role as a compassionate Father is evident as He allows Samuel to mediate and guide the people, even in their rebellion.

In 1 Samuel 8, God is referred to as Yahweh Elohim, meaning "The Lord God," emphasizing His supreme authority over Israel. Despite their rejection, He remains Melek, meaning "King," underscoring that He is Israel’s true ruler. The lesson in this chapter is that God’s leadership is always superior to human leadership, but He allows people to choose their own path—even when it leads to hardship. This teaches us that desiring what the world offers over God’s will can lead to regret, but He remains faithful even in our mistakes.

In 1 Samuel 9, God’s character in 1 Samuel 9 is seen in His providence and guidance. He orchestrates events behind the scenes, leading Saul to Samuel not by chance, but by divine direction. God is both personal and intentional, working in ordinary circumstances (like lost donkeys) to fulfill His greater plans. This shows His omniscience—He knows the future and prepares His chosen ones even when they are unaware of their calling.

In this chapter, God is revealed as Yahweh Yireh, "The Lord Will Provide," because He provides Israel with the leader they asked for, even though it was not His perfect plan. He is also El Roi, "The God Who Sees," as He sees Saul’s potential despite Saul’s own doubts. The lesson here is that God is always at work, even when we don’t recognize His hand. He calls and equips people for His purposes, even those who feel unqualified or unlikely.

In 1 Samuel 10, God’s character in 1 Samuel 10 is displayed through His empowerment and transformation. He does not simply call Saul to be king but also equips him with the Holy Spirit, changing him into a new man. This shows God’s grace in enabling those He calls. Even when Saul hesitates, God remains patient, guiding him step by step toward leadership.

In this chapter, God is seen as Ruach Elohim, "The Spirit of God," who comes upon Saul to equip him for leadership. He is also El Shaddai, "God Almighty," demonstrating His power to transform and prepare His chosen ones. The lesson here is that when God calls someone, He also provides the strength and ability needed to fulfill that calling. Though we may struggle with fear or doubt, He remains our source of power and confidence.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

How does God’s response to Israel’s demand for a king in 1 Samuel 8 demonstrate His patience and sovereignty?
What does God’s willingness to grant Israel a king, despite their rejection of Him, reveal about His character?
How does God’s guidance in Saul’s journey in 1 Samuel 9 reflect His providence and omniscience?
In 1 Samuel 10, how does God equip Saul for leadership, and what does this teach us about His empowering nature?
How do the Hebrew names of God (Yahweh Elohim, Yahweh Yireh, Ruach Elohim) reflect His role in these chapters?
How does God’s faithfulness remain evident even when His people make poor decisions?
What do these chapters teach us about God’s ability to transform and use unlikely individuals for His purposes?

Questions About Themes:

How does Israel’s desire for a king reflect a struggle between human desires and divine authority?
What are the consequences of rejecting God’s leadership in favor of worldly solutions, as seen in 1 Samuel 8?
How does Saul’s anointing in 1 Samuel 9-10 demonstrate God’s ability to call and equip individuals for His purposes?
What role does prophecy play in confirming God’s will and direction in these chapters?
How does Saul’s initial hesitation and self-doubt reflect common struggles in stepping into God’s calling?
What can we learn about the relationship between obedience and trust in God’s plans from these chapters?
How do these chapters illustrate the tension between God’s perfect will and His permissive will?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what ways have you, like Israel, sought worldly solutions instead of trusting God’s leadership?
How do you respond when God allows you to make a choice that may not be in your best interest?
Have you ever felt like Saul—chosen for something greater but hesitant or insecure? How did you respond?
How can you better recognize God’s guidance in ordinary circumstances, as Saul experienced in 1 Samuel 9?
In what ways do you rely on God’s empowerment when stepping into a new role or responsibility?
What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s timing and direction instead of seeking immediate solutions?
How can you ensure that your desire for leadership or influence aligns with God’s purpose rather than personal ambition?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans