The First Kings of Israel

The First Kings of Israel

1. A King Over Israel

The Old Testament devotes substantial attention to the Kingdom of David, a period covering the reigns of Israel’s first three kings—Saul, David, and Solomon.

As the Israelites prospered and multiplied in the land of Canaan, they began to demand a human king, rejecting the exclusive rule of God over their nation. Their request was granted, and Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen as the first king of Israel.

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2. The Background

Samuel’s Role in the Early Monarchy
Samuel, serving as judge, prophet, and priest, continued his ministry deep into Saul’s reign. One of Saul’s defining failures occurred at Gilgal, when he arrogantly usurped the priestly role by offering a sacrifice himself (1 Samuel 13:8–9).

Samuel, being a Levite through his father Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Chronicles 6:33–38), was divinely qualified to perform priestly duties. Saul, on the other hand, was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9:1–2) and had no such right. God had given Saul the authority to govern and even the gift of prophecy, yet he was not content. In willful disobedience, he presumed to take on sacred duties reserved for the priesthood, revealing a heart unwilling to be ruled by God’s Spirit.

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The Rise of David and Solomon
David, the second king of Israel, came from the tribe of Judah. God established his dynasty as Israel’s royal house, promising that his throne would endure. After David’s reign, his son Solomon ascended the throne. Solomon built the grand Temple in Jerusalem, and under his leadership, Israel’s borders expanded from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south. The kingdom reached the height of its wealth, influence, and unity.

Yet this golden age did not last. The spiritual compromises and political strains that emerged during Solomon’s later years set the stage for Israel’s eventual decline and division.

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Conclusion
The reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon reveal both the potential and the peril of leadership. Saul’s pride led to his downfall, David’s heart for God secured his legacy, and Solomon’s wisdom brought unmatched prosperity—but also sowed seeds of future trouble. The story of Israel’s first kings serves as both a historical record and a spiritual lesson: a reminder that no earthly ruler can truly replace the sovereign rule of God.