This time in Israel’s history represents a shift in which they will no longer be recognized by their loose tribal affiliations with a Judge as their leader, but will experience a more centralized government that will have a king on the throne. By the time Samuel was born, the Israelites (as a whole) were extremely idolatrous and immoral and the need for a strong “spiritual leader” was more evident than ever. Samuel became that leader but the peoples desire for a king to rule continued to drive their demands to be like all the surrounding nations. In spite of Samuel’s warnings as to what this king would represent and how he would treat them….they wanted him anyway and God granted them their wish as He gave them Saul.
Lesson 2 – From Samuel to Saul (Student)
Good News Bible Studies - Mike Southwick 