Mar 28 I Samuel 8-12 Israel Wanted an Earthly King to Replace God

In I Sam. 8:19-22, the people clearly state their wont of an earthly king - so they could be like the other nations and have him/lead them in battles - God wanted them to be different from the other nations and to rely on Him to lead them in battle. Israel didn't get it - they rejected the kingship of the LORD. So God was going to give them what they wanted - a worldly king - his name would be Saul.

While you read, watch Saul start out dependent on God, successful, humble, etc. - and watch what he devolves into. Saul was a "giant" of a man (remember this when you get to Goliath) and not very spiritual. He grew up in a town almost right on Samuel's circuit route, but Saul knew nothing of Samuel. Saul was originally shy, hiding among the baggage when he knew he would be named king. Yet God chose to put His Spirit upon him - to empower him for kingship.