Samuel, like so many others in the scripture, failed as a father. He walked after the Lord but his sons did not, reminding us that a family history with God does not make a man righteous. His sons sought the dishonest gain that comes from being in power with no moral compass… the only standards become what seems best TO you and what brings the most return FOR you. The people of Israel reacted unwisely. Rather than seeking the Lord to resolve the situation, they sought to be like all the other nations that did not know the Lord. Since the current men had failed them, it seemed obvious to them that the answer was to get other men and give them even MORE power. It is a blunder we still make today. Instead of dealing with the heart issues that ruin us and bring destruction on our nation, we cry out for more power and authority to be given to men, so that they can fix our problem. But a change in government will never equate to a change in hearts. And beloved, the real issue IS a heart problem, it is deeper than any man can fix for mankind IS the problem. Sin has ruined us, and only God can make any of this right. We need to turn to the God who created us and seek His face in repentance. We need to humble ourselves in His sight and cry out for His mercy and healing for our land. Man will never be the answer, only God can restore us.