Thus far this book has given details of the life and ministry of the last of Israel's judges, the man Samuel. With chapter 8 the transition begins moving Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy with their demand for a king.
Israel has continued to rebel against God's rule over them as a nation. Their dissatisfaction with God reaches a climax as they demand a king so they can be like the other nations.
Samuel had appointed his sons as judges over Israel, but sadly they have not followed in their father's footsteps of faith. There is no indication in the Scriptures that God holds Samuel accountable for the poor spiritual condition of the nation nor of his sons. The Bible makes it clear that each individual is personally accountable for their own sin before God. Samuel becomes an example of a godly man who has ungodly children.
The chosen course of his sons has an impact on the nation as the elders of Israel are concerned about the future leadership over the people. They come to Samuel, in his old age, and request he appoint a king to lead them 'like all the nations.' By their demand for a king they are essentially telling God what they will accept to meet their wants and needs. The seriousness of the situation does not escape Samuel and he immediately goes to the Lord in prayer, becoming the model of a prayer warrior who reveres the Lord and His will.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
In the fall of 1969, Gil began a full-time teaching ministry as Senior Pastor of Indian Hills Community Church. He also earned his Ph.D. from the California Graduate School of Theology. The focus of Pastor Rugh’s ministry is systematic, verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible. As a...
