The Problem with Kings

There is great cultural frustration in Israel’s demand for a king. We critique them for asking Samuel to crown one (1 Samuel 8), but we may forget that Israel had experienced four centuries of civil war, political intrigue, and invasions, as chronicled in the book of Judges.

That does not excuse their unbelief, of course, for Samuel sees the problem right away and takes it to the Lord. The Lord’s response is striking and crucial for us to understand the dynamic here: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” 1 Samuel 8:7

He goes on to cite the context and consequences of their request: Israel has been disobedient and idolatrous from its very beginning, and they do not understand how their king will abuse his authority.

The tension is that while asking for a king was inevitable and even prophesied (Deuteronomy 17:14-20), trust in the king to save them is misplaced, because only God saves, and rulers may not follow Him.

We should keep Israel’s haste in mind as many today assume that a harsh, “law and order” approach is the only answer to the chaos in our cities. Human leaders (and their political parties) are fatally flawed, and will inevitably abuse their authority.

And sometimes, the laws themselves are unjust. Slavery was once the law of the land. Abortion on demand still is. We also could point to the “three strikes and you’re in prison for life” approach that has been so much under review lately. Another kind of abuse is possible in the legal power of un-elected officials (FBI, CIA) just now being exposed.

The nation with the most law and order today might be North Korea, but would you want to live there? And don’t forget that in the early days of the Third Reich, Hitler’s heavy hand was excused because, “well, at least, the trains run on time.” This is how short sighted we can be when we try to end chaos through unchecked human authority.

If the chaos gets bad enough, humans will do anything to keep the peace, including giving into rioters, on the one hand, or a dictator, on the other. But must we choose between chaos and giving up our rights? Surely not! But let’s think. What would healthy leadership look like?

“Our heavenly Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”


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