Israel Rejects God as King

One of the most serious and far-reaching events for evil occurred in the closing years of the splendid leadership of the prophet Samuel. That was nothing less than a revolution in the government God had established for His people. It was conducted by the nation of Israel. The sinister though veiled purpose of this revolution was to get rid of divine kingship and the restraining influence of the prophetic gift.AGP 67.3

The record of this serious affair is given by the prophet Samuel:AGP 67.4

“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, and said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 1 Samuel 8:4, 5.

This demand of Israel was alarming and displeasing to Samuel. It was so audacious, so revolutionary, so full of peril, that Samuel would return no answer until he had received direct instruction from the Lord. And “Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them…. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:6-9.AGP 68.1