A King Over Israel

A King Over Israel

The Old Testament devotes considerable attention to Israel’s history during the Kingdom of David, which spans the reigns of the nation’s first three kings — Saul, David, and Solomon.

As the Israelites in Canaan grew in number, they became dissatisfied with having God alone as their ruler. They longed for a king like the surrounding nations. Responding to their request, God granted them a monarch, and the first to sit on Israel’s throne was Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin.

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The Main Point

Behind this story lies a deeper truth — the ongoing tension between the will of God and the will of man. God’s desire was to reign over Israel directly, yet the people insisted on a human ruler. God permitted their request, but the outcome revealed the weakness of human leadership when it is not fully surrendered to Him.

The king they received could have embodied God’s purposes, yet personal ambition and self-will altered the course. In choosing leaders, there is often a human tendency to focus on appearance, charisma, or strength. Yet Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

This principle remains timeless. God’s measure of leadership is not outward image but inward character, shaped by obedience to Him.