Topical Bible: The Jews: Desired and Obtained Kings

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The desire for a monarchy among the Israelites marks a significant transition in the history of the Jewish people, reflecting both their internal dynamics and their interactions with surrounding nations. This desire is first explicitly recorded in the First Book of Samuel, where the Israelites request a king to lead them, "like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:5).

The Request for a King

The request for a king arose during the time of the prophet Samuel, who had served as a judge over Israel. The elders of Israel approached Samuel at Ramah, expressing their desire for a centralized, hereditary leadership. This request was motivated by several factors, including the corruption of Samuel's sons, who did not walk in his ways, and the increasing threat from neighboring peoples, particularly the Philistines.

Samuel was displeased with their request, and he prayed to the LORD. The LORD responded, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king" (1 Samuel 8:7). God instructed Samuel to warn the people about the potential consequences of having a king, including conscription, taxation, and the loss of personal freedoms (1 Samuel 8:10-18).

The Anointing of Saul

Despite the warnings, the people persisted in their demand. God directed Samuel to anoint Saul, a Benjamite, as the first king of Israel. Saul was described as "an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others" (1 Samuel 9:2). His anointing marked the beginning of the monarchy in Israel, and he was publicly confirmed as king at Mizpah (1 Samuel 10:17-24).

Saul's reign began with promise, as he led Israel to military victories over their enemies. However, his disobedience to God's commands, particularly in the matters of the Amalekites and the unlawful sacrifice, led to his rejection by God (1 Samuel 13:13-14, 15:22-23).

The Rise of David

Following Saul's rejection, God instructed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David's rise to prominence began with his victory over Goliath, the Philistine giant, which endeared him to the people and set the stage for his eventual kingship (1 Samuel 17).

David's relationship with Saul was complex, marked by both loyalty and conflict. Despite Saul's attempts to kill him, David consistently refused to harm Saul, respecting him as the LORD's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6, 26:9). After Saul's death in battle, David was anointed king over Judah and later over all Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation (2 Samuel 2:4, 5:3-5).

The Davidic Covenant

David's reign was characterized by military success, territorial expansion, and the establishment of a centralized government. Most significantly, God made a covenant with David, promising that his descendants would rule Israel forever and that his throne would be established eternally (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This covenant laid the foundation for the Messianic hope in Jewish and Christian theology, anticipating the coming of a future king from David's line who would establish God's kingdom.

The Reign of Solomon

David's son Solomon succeeded him, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's reign was a time of peace and prosperity, fulfilling God's promise to David. However, Solomon's later years were marred by idolatry and political alliances through marriage, which led to the division of the kingdom after his death (1 Kings 11:1-13).

Conclusion

The establishment of the monarchy in Israel was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, reflecting the people's desire for stability and leadership. While the kingship brought unity and strength, it also highlighted the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 8:5,22
And said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons walk not in your ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... 1. The Jews also obtained honors from the kings of Asia when they ... Greeks was called
The God,] had bestowed on them, and desired that, if the Jews were to be ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... act the part of a friend, and be assisting to the business
he was now about: and when he had obtained what he desired, he also ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how david fled.htm

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... words to him, and such as were beneath the royal authority,
he had been affronted, and had not obtained what he desired. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

But Origen Also, You Will Tell Us, in Composing his Work Called ...
... in our copies of the Scriptures, Origen desired to shew to our people what reading
obtained among the ... not what we ourselves but what the Jews believed to ...
/.../36 but origen also you.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... So Haman, having gained what he desired, sent out ... I have governed many nations, and
obtained the dominions of ... and entire abolishment of the Jews, against the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... and to Lucius Antonius the vice-quaestor, I obtained that privilege of ... you know that
the ambassadors of the Jews have been with me, and desired they might ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... And when these Jews had understood what piety the ... to the gate which looked eastward,
and desired of Esdras ... to pass, that after he had obtained this reputation ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews.
... upon certain conditions; and when they had obtained the security they desired, they
delivered ... no longer to lie still, while the Jews were everywhere ...
/.../chapter 18 the calamities and.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... This country belonged formerly to the Jews, and became useful ... bestowing on her what
she herself desired of him ... when this queen of Ethiopia had obtained what we ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Concerning The Fight With The Philistines Desired A Necromantic ... Of It, And Brought
In The Jews To Inhabit ... And Riches; And Concerning What He Obtained Of Hiram ...
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