Read 1 Samuel 8.
Now, Israel wanted a king.
What prompted this?
Samuel was elderly and his two sons who would have succeeded him were corrupt. Unlike the Elders in Eli's day, the national Elders here came to Samuel to make a change in leadership. Instead of another Judge, the people wanted a king. Samuel took it as a personal rejection.
What was the real problem?
The request was not out of the will of God. In fact, God told the people back in Moses' day that once they settled into the land that He would establish a king for them (Deuteronomy 17:14-15). But the timing and spirit of the people was wrong. God felt rejected also (v.7).
What did it cost them?
At least in the ESV, no less than five times in verses 10-17 the phrase "he will take" appears. Israel will look good in battle with a royal leader arrayed in his finest, but the cost will be substantial. The greatest cost would be when the people realize their mistake the LORD will not answer their prayer (v.18).
Someone once said, "Be careful what you ask for. You might just get it." There are never any regrets when we trust in God's timing to unfold His plan for us.
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