God imparts a lesson on rulers both secular and theocratic by allowing the people of Israel to defy His wishes that He would be their only God and leader. God allows them to be led by a king, albeit one whose appointment comes with His approval. God conveys a lesson in the books of Samuel, to all rulers that can be seen through a close comparison of the two kings He chooses, Saul and David. The decisions, motivations, and experiences had by these kings show significant differences and the importance of a strong and faithful relationship with God. The message that can be taken away from the two books of Samuel in regards to secular and theocratic leadership is that trusting in God is the most important element to a successful leader.
The Israelites …show more content…
It seems shocking that the Israelites would request a king other than God because He had assisted them through so much. God had saved and aided the Israelites over and over again, however the Israelites lost faith in Him most likely due to the fact that He wasn’t a presence they could see. They felt that having a king, who could provide this valuable and seemingly necessary physical presence, would help them feel similar to other countries. The Israelites also wanted a king that could help them achieve victories in battle. Another reason for the Israelites’ sudden need for a king was that Samuel was aging and his sons were not of the same moral standard, and therefore the Israelites did not want to be led by …show more content…
However, they both explain what God wanted to teach the Israelites as they switched from a theocratic to secular rule. David was portrayed positively in the first book of Samuel, even though David witnesses sins (his son’s rape of his daughter) and commits them himself (adultery) in the second book. However, throughout those times he stayed loyal to God. He was appointed to be king long before Saul died and vacated the throne, but David, being virtuous, remained patient throughout Saul’s kingship. David was loyal to Saul even though Saul was jealous of
The Israelites …show more content…
It seems shocking that the Israelites would request a king other than God because He had assisted them through so much. God had saved and aided the Israelites over and over again, however the Israelites lost faith in Him most likely due to the fact that He wasn’t a presence they could see. They felt that having a king, who could provide this valuable and seemingly necessary physical presence, would help them feel similar to other countries. The Israelites also wanted a king that could help them achieve victories in battle. Another reason for the Israelites’ sudden need for a king was that Samuel was aging and his sons were not of the same moral standard, and therefore the Israelites did not want to be led by …show more content…
However, they both explain what God wanted to teach the Israelites as they switched from a theocratic to secular rule. David was portrayed positively in the first book of Samuel, even though David witnesses sins (his son’s rape of his daughter) and commits them himself (adultery) in the second book. However, throughout those times he stayed loyal to God. He was appointed to be king long before Saul died and vacated the throne, but David, being virtuous, remained patient throughout Saul’s kingship. David was loyal to Saul even though Saul was jealous of