Give Us A King!

A Corrupted Lineage (v.1-9)

Interpretation: For the first time in Israel’s history, the judgeship is handed down via bloodlines rather than God raising up a judge when needed. And, if a judge is to be impartial, then Samuel’s sons utterly fail. They take “bribes” and pervert “justice.” This is direct disobedience to God’s command concerning judges; they were to pursue justice according to

Deuteronomy 16:20 ESV

Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

While maybe not as flagrant, Samuel’s sons operate similarly to Eli’s sons. They used their position for personal “gain.” The ESVSB notes that “such practices are denounced over and over in the Bible” (Deut. 16:19; Ps. 26:10; Prov. 15:27; 17:23; Isa. 33:15; Ezek. 22:12; Amos 5:12).

As Samuel grew old and his sons proved unfit to lead, the elders of Israel demanded a king “like all the nations.” While their frustration with Samuel’s sons was justified, the text invites us to examine their method. There is no indication that they sought the Lord’s will through prayer or fasting, as Samuel had previously called them to do. Instead, they pursued a worldly solution without divine direction. Though they respected Samuel, they rejected the model of godly leadership God had established, revealing a deeper problem: they didn’t just want change — they wanted conformity to the surrounding nations. In doing so, they were rejecting God as their true King.

In contrast, Samuel takes the request to the Lord in prayer. God’s response is telling — He allows them to proceed, but not without sorrow. Their desire for a king wasn’t inherently sinful (Deuteronomy 17 allowed for the possibility), but the motivation behind it was: they wanted to trade divine rule for human rule. It was a new form of an old sin — idolatry. The people placed their hope in a human king rather than the Lord. Just as they had turned to false gods in the wilderness after being delivered from Egypt, they now turned to the idea of a monarch to give them security and identity, forgetting their distinct calling as God’s holy people.

God instructs Samuel to grant their request but also to give them a serious warning. What follows in the next verses is a sober prediction of what kings will do — taking sons, daughters, lands, and labor for their own purposes. While some of these things reflect the normal cost of government, others expose the abuse and burden that comes when God’s rule is rejected. This passage is not just about ancient Israel — it is a timeless warning. When we place our hope in worldly systems or leaders instead of God, we repeat the same mistake. Only one King — Jesus — rules with perfect justice, wisdom, and love.

Application:

I want to issue a challenge, as much to myself as to any other father in the room today.

Samuel may have dropped the ball on discipling his sons. There were several scholars who interpreted the wayward actions of his sons as a failure on his part. I have no doubt that he taught them truth, and we know that none of his words failed, but when it comes to raising our children in the truth, it’s more than what we say. As the old phrase goes, more is caught than taught. Are we modeling the life of faith for our sons and daughters? Are we doing more than saying, “Because I said so!” or “Go ask your mother.”? Do we point them to the Word of God and lead them by modeling God’s truth before them? Still, understand this: the text doesn’t explicitly state this, and the sons are grown and accountable for their own actions. Sometimes you can pour every ounce of influence you have into someone and they still choose their own rebellious path.

Second, what about the positive for Samuel? He is grieved over the people’s decision, and his response is quite the contrast to the elders. They see a problem, they “fix it,” only their fix wasn’t a fix at all. To lead well, we must be led well. Lecrae said in his song “Just Like You,” that “all men were created to lead by we needed somebody to lead us.” Seek the Lord in fervent prayer.

A Costly Reign (v.10-18)

Interpretation:

Verses 10–11 Samuel relayed God’s message to the people. The message, in short, is that the king Israel demands will take the best of their people, property, and possessions for his own purposes, ultimately enslaving them and leaving them abandoned by God in their regret.

The first thing mentioned is taking sons and appointing them to “chariots.” The usage here is singular in the Hebrew and may suggest a personal honor guard for the king. The use of chariots in Canaan as instruments of war had long been established, and having men run before the chariot was likely a status symbol.

Verses 12–13 The king will appointment “commanders.,” which seems to indicate a standing army that could be called upon to fight battles for the king (v. 20). Some men would work the ground, but others would be used to outfit the army, making “implements of war.”

“Daughters” would be brought in to make perfume, to cook, and to bake. These jobs could be considered demeaning yet necessary for supporting the royal lifestyle.

Verses 14–15 The corrupting influence of the royal position will be evident because the king will “take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards” to give to “his servants.” This goes beyond what is necessary for a government to function. The king abuses his power to take the best for himself. Contrast this with Jesus who leaves the best in the halls of heaven in order to give the best to us.

And, the king demands the same payment as YHWH. This could be another subtle hint at the corruption of the monarchy who, by demanding the same tithe as YHWH, almost seems to place himself as God’s equal.

Verses 16–17 The demand for the “best” continues as the king will even take “male…and female servants” for his own use, to do his work. In essence, the king will take the best of what he wants. And, the king will demand a tenth of the flocks.

Ultimately, the people will be slaves to the king. While they might not be actual slaves, bound in chains and working for no pay, the king’s rule will certainly leave them feeling like servants rather than citizens.

Verse 17 is the climax of Samuel’s proclamation about life under a monarch. All of the Israelites and their possessions will be used at the king’s discretion as even the people are conscripted for labor. An apt summary of Samuel’s warning concerning the monarchy is the repetition of “He will take…he will take,” the ESV translating four uses of the Hebrew verb six times. They ask for a king like the nations around them, and that’s exactly what they get!

Verse 18 The sad result: the people will cry out, but YHWH will not answer. This quite different from the cycle of the judges, when oppression from foreign nations, allowed by God as a form of judgment, would lead the people to cry out and receive deliverance. Now, the people have rejected YHWH as their Ruler, so when they cry out, God will allow them to remain in their choice.

Application:

The world offers a distorted vision of masculinity. It tells men that to be “manly” is to be tough, emotionally detached, self-reliant to the point of isolation, and driven by conquest—whether through power, possessions, or promiscuity. This version of manhood often glorifies macho posturing, faux pride, mid-life indulgences, and selfish ambition. It encourages men to chase personal gratification rather than sacrificial responsibility. But Scripture paints a far different—and far nobler—picture of masculinity. God calls men to be protectors who guard their families from spiritual and physical harm; providers who work diligently and generously for the well-being of others; and leaders who humbly preside over their homes with wisdom, love, and Christlike character. True manhood is not marked by dominance but by devotion; not by self-serving power, but by self-giving love. This is holiness for godly fathers: to reject the shallow definitions of masculinity offered by the culture and to embrace the high calling of reflecting the Father-heart of God. This kind of leadership requires courage, conviction, and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit.

A Chosen Path (v.19-22)

Interpretation:

Verses 19–21 The people refuse to listen to Samuel. While none of Samuel’s words fell to the ground, Israel’s insistence on pursuing her own way would win the day. There is an interesting reversal here: Samuel is to listen to their words (v. 22) while they refuse to heed his (v. 19). Despite the warning, the people insist on a king to rule over them. Their desire is to “be like all the nations,” and the repeated use of plural pronouns shows this to be rather consensus among Israel.

The following verses show that the peoples’ vision for a king was quite grand, believing that he would, in essence, do everything for them.

Samuel delivered the peoples’ request to God.

Verse 22 YHWH grants their wish and instructs Samuel to “make them a king.” While this means that Israel rejects God’s rule, God will use it to His glory, raising the Davidic dynasty which will ultimately culminate in the reign of Jesus — God again ruling over His people. The people would return to their homes and wait for God’s response.

Application:

Here’s an interesting observation: in many churches today, there are fewer and fewer men. Now, don’t check out on me fellas. I’m on your side. So, track with me…

What would have happened in Braveheart had William Wallace been okay with the lack of freedom from the English? What if he didn’t care anything about “Freedom”?

What if Maverick had said, “You know what, they guys up the planes, they’ve got it. No need for me to suit up and head out”?

What if Michael Jordan, after getting cut from his high school team, just walked away from the gym and said, “I’m guess basketball’s just not for me”?

What if James J. Braddock said, “I’m too old for boxing and with the Great Depression going on, why does it matter anyway”?

What if Frodo said, “I’m just a halfling Hobbit…what good am I going to be on this quest”?

What if Skywalker said, “I’m just an orphan and moisture farming isn’t that bad”?

What if Maximus Decimus Meridius said, “Why fight as a gladiator…I’ve already lost it all anyway”?

You see, the “show,” if you will, wouldn’t went on regardless. But, there was a role to be played, a call to be answered, a hero to rise to the occasion.

In some ways, church life is rather similar. You see, God is and will be victorious. But, He intends to use you to do so. Sure, at the end of the day, the church will be built and the gates of hell will not overcome it, just as God would use the monarchy to bring about His glory. But, He’s called you to be a part of this. Worried if you’re good enough? He’s got that covered. Worried if we’ll succeed? He’s the victor. The battle’s been won. But, He’s created you for this moment in the life of your family. In the life of this community. And yes, in the life of this church. God didn’t make you to ride the bench. He created you to get in the game. Let’s not be statistics…let’s be leaders.

Father's Day Prayer Outline

This outline provides a framework for prayer, allowing you to personalize each section with specific names, situations, and expressions of gratitude.

I. Opening & Adoration (Focus on God as Our Heavenly Father)

Acknowledge God's Fatherhood: Begin by recognizing God as the ultimate, perfect Father.

Express Gratitude for His Nature: Thank Him for His attributes that reflect good fatherhood (love, patience, provision, protection).

II. Gratitude for Earthly Fathers

III. Petitions & Intercessions for Fathers

For Wisdom & Guidance: Pray for fathers to have wisdom in their decisions and guidance in leading their families.

For Strength & Patience: Ask for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength for fathers to meet the demands of their role.

For Protection & Provision: Pray for their health, safety, and ability to provide for their families.

For Fathers Who Are Struggling: Include those facing difficulties (e.g., unemployment, illness, strained relationships, grief).

For Absent or Estranged Fathers: Pray for reconciliation, healing, or for the children who miss their fathers.

For New Fathers: Pray for those just beginning their journey as fathers.

IV. Commitment & Blessing

Commitment to Honor & Support Fathers: Express a desire to honor and support the fathers in your life.

Invocation of Blessing: Ask for God's blessings upon all fathers.

Closing: Conclude with a traditional prayer ending.