The Israelites looked to the nations around and desired a king. Samuel was offended. He had judged the nation for many years, and as he aged, he appointed his oldest sons to judge. Unlike Samuel, they were greedy, accepted bribes and perverted justice. The people demanded change. Samuel, offended, took his offence to God, obeyed the voice of the Lord, and found solace in God’s ultimate word.
Offended
The elders of Israel came to Samuel. “Samuel, there is something we have been wanting to talk to you about.” Samuel listened as they told him he was getting old, and his sons could never fill his shoes. “We want a king,” they said. It hurt. In his displeasure, he went to the Lord.
The Voice of the Lord
“Give them what they want,” God said. “It isn’t you they are rejecting. It is Me. Ever since I brought them out of their bondage in Egypt, they have been wanting to follow other gods. Now they are treating you the same. Give them what they want, but also warn them of the consequences.” Samuel warned the people as God instructed.
Solace
The Israelite elders remained unmoved. Samuel returned to the Lord. “Do as they say. Give them a king,” God said. Samuel agreed and sent them home. Nothing changed, but Samuel found solace in His God. The true God who hears and answers, who shares His heart, spoke peace into Samuel’s. Samuel took his offence to God, obeyed the voice of the Lord, and found solace in God’s ultimate word.