February 27, 2022 - 1 Samuel 8

God was so faithful and good toward Israel, even while the nation was spurning him for the idols. Then, in chapter 8, the people spurned him and demanded a king. How ungrateful are the people! God has done so much for them! Israel? They are idolaters. They are acting like unruly children. But here’s the thing, God is able to use even all this mess to accomplish his purposes. Without the monarchy, there would be no kings. Without kings, there would be no David. Without David, there would be no Son of David. Without the Son of David, we would have no hope.

And so, God gives Israel a kingdom and kings and, ultimately, the eternal King to rule over an eternal kingdom. It’s a shame, though, that the people acted like they did. We should be better and do better. Certainly, we are joyful and grateful for David’s greater Son!

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,

great David’s greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed,

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

to set the captive free;

to take away transgression,

and rule in equity. -- James Montgomery (1821)