God called Israel to be His covenant people and a treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6) Instead of celebrating that privilege, they reduced themselves to be like other nations. The elders of Israel went to Samuel and demanded that he make a king like all the nations (I Samuel 8:5)
Samuel’s fault: God chose judges to guide the nation in times of crisis, and when it was surmounted, they went to their normal work. Samuel chose his sons Joel and Abijah as judges and appointed them at Beersheba. (I Samuel 8:1-2) Instead of God choosing the judges, Samuel chose them.
Samuel’s sons: Joel and Abijah, did not walk in the way of the Lord, following the footsteps of their father Samuel. They became corrupt, trying to help themselves become rich, and thus perverted justice. (I Samuel 8:2) Instead of God, they chose mammon as their God and priority. Sadly, like Eli, Samuel also did not discipline his sons.
Social challenge: Bribery and perversion of justice were social as well as a national issue. The elders of Israel did not confront the social evil with discernment. They foolishly thought the system had to be changed, following other nations. Any system or institution could become corrupt if humans are managing it.
Inferior status: The Nation of Israel did not seek reform to eradicate administrative flaws, but wanted a king like all other nations. Now, they wanted to imitate other ungodly and unrighteous nations. They rejected their call, purpose and settled for an inferior position at par with nations that did not have a covenant, law, promises, and revelation.
Rejected and forsaken: Tragically, they rejected the Lord, forsook His ways, and did not want God to reign over them. Did not God lead and sustain the Nation? Indirectly, they said that God as king is ineffective. They chose to have ungodly trust in the king, instead of Godly trust in God, His Promises, and Reign. (I Samuel 10:19) Later, in history, the Jewish mob declared Caesar as their king. (John 19:15)
Am I like God’s child or like others?