Politics in the Old Testament

 1 Samuel 8:19-20 "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
1 Samuel 8:7 "The Lord told him (Samuel) 'listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king."

YAY!!! The election is over with and yet the comments from both parties and the war of opinions still rages on.... I made a commitment this election season to make sure not to put political opinions, ideas, or news stories about either president on facebook. That is not needed. If anyone is curious about my opinions just come and ask. I will wait to speak.

But here I am sitting and resting with God and was about to read 1 Samuel 17 when a question came to my mind. How did the people view rulers in the old testament...especially in the beginning. Israel  has just begged God for a king, Samuel annointed their first ruler and Saul started setting precedents for what a king should do other than the recommendations set out by God (Deut. 17:14-20)... I am sure people had their own ideas, their opinions, their voice in what Saul should do. Most wanted a king like other nations but why? What did they want? What is the difference between a King and God?

What did they want? Why did they want a king?

• (1 Samuel 8:5) While at first they use Samuel's age and his unwise, disciplined sons as an intial excuse. I believe their true reasons for wanting a king is to be like the other kingdoms/nations. (1 Sam.8:20). 
• (1 Samuel 8:21) "A king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." They want protection. They want someone else, a leader to fight for them. 
• Maybe other underlying intentions to have a king but here are the main two I have found.

One point I want to focus on is the desire to "be like all the other nations." Yet again Why do they want to be like the other nations? Loving the "why" questions today. Do they feel the other nations have it better than they do. Do they feel the other nations are stronger because of a king? I see this in our present day as well especially in regards to health care reforms, social ideas, etc. Its quite interesting how  I feel this pattern arises all too frequently in the bible and even now. (my opinion and it could easily be wrong, a hypothesis rather than a theory) A nation with strong values and beliefs in one focus, succeeds from an oppressive power. While holding on their own and becoming successful based off their original values, they and following generations do not feel the need to hold on to those as tightly as the previous people due to the lack of confrontation or oppression once felt. Soon the feelings, and meanings behind such values and ideas are mingled, confused, forgotten, and/or ignored completely. Then the country changes and is destroyed, captured, or turned into chaos. See how the Israelite's after having God and even a physical article, lead them into battle with victorious results over and over again, they still feel other's ideas are best. I believe I can even hear them speak now "Well they have a army. We should have an army too! It worked for them, They have lived like that for ____ number of years so it obviously is a good idea." Then ideas keep rolling and before they know it they have forgotten the meaning and value which held them together and protected them and provided for them. They have rejected and forgotten about God (in present times I wonder what is a nation's believe or value that is being or has been rejected/forgotten?)  Even after the warnings given to them by God (1 Samuel 8:10-18) about people working/serving him, utilizing the people for his own personal service, forcefully taking a tenth of your grain (yay taxes) and the people will become slaves to him, they still want a king, because protection from the outside by a human is better than protection from God and being free. Obviously, not literal "slaves" (though in some countries is it sadly true) but consider how you and everybody throughout the world works for the government...

To continue on my point, how did people react during the new kings reign? How satisfied were they really? Did they feel their needs being met? Shortly after the start of King Saul's reign, war after war broke out between him and the Philistines. Shortly after they run out of weapons (1 Samuel 13:16-22)! Thankfully God brings them out and into victory. But does the people realize this? 

So what is the difference between a King and God in Israel. Wonderfully nothing, IF the king started by following God's guideline, His wisdom, and to be patient to wait on His word.

A man ruled by God, rules like God.

What was your family, culture, nation founded on, or believe? What does your family, culture, nation believe now? Has the change been good (it could easily be reversed as shown multiple times in the OT where they turn back to God and their values and were blessed)? Reflection is key and being strong against the ideas of the popular vote is true courage and strength.

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