Samuel's explanation of kingship is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking the transition from a theocratic system of judges to a monarchy. This event is primarily recorded in 1 Samuel 8 and 1 Samuel 12, where the prophet Samuel addresses the Israelites' demand for a king and outlines the implications of such a request.

Context and Background

The period of the judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and subsequent rescue by judges raised by God. As Samuel aged, the Israelites grew dissatisfied with this system, particularly due to the corrupt behavior of Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah, who were appointed as judges but "did not walk in his ways" (1 Samuel 8:3). The elders of Israel approached Samuel at Ramah, demanding a king to lead them "like all the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:5).

Samuel's Warning

Samuel was displeased with the people's request, perceiving it as a rejection of God's kingship over Israel. In prayer, God instructed Samuel to heed the people's demand but to solemnly warn them about the nature of human kingship. Samuel conveyed God's message, detailing the rights and behaviors of a king:

"This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his servants. He will take a tenth of your grain and vintage and give it to his officials and servants. He will take your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys and use them for his own purposes. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you in that day" (1 Samuel 8:11-18).

Despite this stark warning, the people insisted on having a king, desiring to be like other nations and to have a leader to "go out before us and fight our battles" (1 Samuel 8:20).

Samuel's Farewell Address

After Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel, Samuel delivered a farewell address in 1 Samuel 12, reaffirming the seriousness of their choice. He reminded the people of God's faithfulness and their history of deliverance, urging them to remain faithful to the LORD. Samuel emphasized that both the king and the people must obey God's commandments:

"If you fear the LORD and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers" (1 Samuel 12:14-15).

Samuel also performed a sign, calling upon the LORD to send thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, demonstrating the gravity of their request for a king. The people, realizing their sin, pleaded for Samuel's intercession. Samuel reassured them of God's mercy, urging them to serve the LORD with all their heart and warning against turning to "worthless things that cannot profit or deliver" (1 Samuel 12:21).

Theological Implications

Samuel's explanation of kingship underscores the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty. The Israelites' desire for a king represented a shift in trust from God to human leadership. Samuel's warnings highlight the potential for abuse of power inherent in human kingship and the importance of obedience to God's commandments. This narrative serves as a reminder of the need for leaders to be accountable to God and for the people to remain faithful to their covenant relationship with the LORD.