(F.Dean.Hackett) The prophet Samuel was elderly and unable to give the quality of leadership given for so many decades. He appointed Joel and Abijah, his sons, to lead in his place. Problems quickly began to arise. These two were not men of God in the footsteps of their father. Open to bribery and corruption, they made a mockery of justice and ruled in favor of those who gave the most financial support.

The people grieved and became weary of the corrupt leadership. The elders of Israel came to Samuel’s home in Ramah and appealed to the old prophet. “You are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now, install for us a king to govern us like all the nations” (1 Sam. 8:5). Samuel’s heart grieved and cried out to the Lord. He must have reflected upon the prophecy of Moses before him (Deut. 17:14-20).

God’s response must have grieved him even more. “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you.” Those are words you never want to hear from God. “I am letting you have your way.” God assured His faithful servant it was not his failure. “They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not rule over them” (1 Sam. 8:7). READ MORE


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