The Israelites Wanted a King (1 Samuel 7-10)
As the time of the judges came to an end, God's people grew discontent with the leadership of Samuel’s sons. The elders of Israel, desiring to be more like the nations surrounding them, commanded Samuel to appoint a king to rule over them. In His perfect wisdom, God would give His people over to their desire for an earthly king. Yet, God revealed how Israel's desire for an earthly king ultimately showcased their rejection of Him as their one true King.
What were the spiritual implications of the Israelites’ desire for a king? How does Christ fit into the narrative?
The Israelites once again found themselves in a season of discontentment—unhappy with their circumstances, as well as God’s provision and leadership in their lives. Like their ancestors before them, they forgot how He freed them from slavery and preserved and provided for them as His chosen people. Rather than seeking the Lord with hearts of worship, the Israelites placed their focus on the nations around them. They did not trust God to continue providing for them.
Consider the ways we are tempted to place our hope in earthly things rather than on the things above (Colossians 3:2). The people rejected God as their King, and we fall into the same pattern when we seek the things of the world in place of the God who created it.
Lead the children in your care to see how Israel had a divided heart toward God and how Christ came to free us from the power of sin that separates us from Him. When we trust in Jesus by faith, He gives us new hearts that worship Him alone as King. Pray for your children’s eyes to be opened to the love Christ has shown us through His life, death, and resurrection—freeing us to follow the God who rules and reigns with all power and care for His creation.
Christ Connection: The Israelites rejected God as King and chose Saul to be their king. When we sin, we also reject God’s rule in our lives as King. Jesus, the King of kings, died for our sin and rose again so we could be forgiven.
