Last week, we learned that the people of Israel sinned against God but came back to him, so the mighty God forgave their sins and delivered them out of the hand of the Philistines. Today I will continue to follow our series, what makes a true leader 2. In these passages, we will learn who a true leader and king is for the people of Israel and the people of God.
In 1 Samuel 8:1-2, we know that Samuel was old and his sons became the judges of Israel. First of all, we need to understand the role of the judge. From Moses to Samuel, God had appointed judges to administer the nation for about 450 years. Judge is called shaphat (שָׁפַט) in Hebrew, which means “judge and govern.” A judge was a ruler, military leader, and someone who presided over legal hearings in Israel.
1 Samuel 8:3 says, “But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” This passage shows us that the children of Samuel did not obey God. Samuel was regarded as one of the great leaders in Israel, but his children weren’t like him. As we know, the Israelites were educated to obey God all times. This is called Shema, which means obey based on Deuteronomy 6.
Later, the elders who were the leaders of Israel gathered together to make an important decision for the nation. The people of Israel wanted humans to be their king. In order to support their position, they pointed out that Samuel was too old and his sons did not follow God. They believed that they would be more powerful if they had a king.
Samuel was unhappy not because the Israelites wanted a king, but because the people of Israel disobeyed God and wanted to rule the nation without God. Samuel was troubled, but came to God and prayed. God answer his prayer.
The mighty God pointed out the problem of the kingship of human written in 1 Samuel 8:9 to 17.1. Samuel 8:18 says, “when that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
In summary, Samuel was known to be one of the great leaders in Israel. After he finished his position, his children became leaders. However, they did not follow God unlike their father Samuel. Hence, the Israelites asked for a king. God told them about the problem of kings. Sadly they continued to want their king. Finally, God accepted their request.
As a child of God, we must remember that our God is a true leader and king of the heavens and the earth. He is the only one who can help us survive here on earth. For this reason, we need to live and work for him. We need to ask for his help at any time even if we are troubled. Remember that our God is still with us, is leading us, and blessings us wherever we go and whatever we do.
Bible Study Note
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (KJV) says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might…And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” The word diligently comes from the Hebrew word Shanan (שָׁנַן). It means “sharpen or chew”. This means that you have to chew on the word of God first and digest it before you can teach others.
Rev Dr Je Cheol Cook
1 Samuel 8:3 says, “But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” This passage shows us that the children of Samuel did not obey God. Samuel was regarded as one of the great leaders in Israel, but his children weren’t like him. As we know, the Israelites were educated to obey God all times. This is called Shema, which means obey based on Deuteronomy 6.
Later, the elders who were the leaders of Israel gathered together to make an important decision for the nation. The people of Israel wanted humans to be their king. In order to support their position, they pointed out that Samuel was too old and his sons did not follow God. They believed that they would be more powerful if they had a king.
Samuel was unhappy not because the Israelites wanted a king, but because the people of Israel disobeyed God and wanted to rule the nation without God. Samuel was troubled, but came to God and prayed. God answer his prayer.
The mighty God pointed out the problem of the kingship of human written in 1 Samuel 8:9 to 17.1. Samuel 8:18 says, “when that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
In summary, Samuel was known to be one of the great leaders in Israel. After he finished his position, his children became leaders. However, they did not follow God unlike their father Samuel. Hence, the Israelites asked for a king. God told them about the problem of kings. Sadly they continued to want their king. Finally, God accepted their request.
As a child of God, we must remember that our God is a true leader and king of the heavens and the earth. He is the only one who can help us survive here on earth. For this reason, we need to live and work for him. We need to ask for his help at any time even if we are troubled. Remember that our God is still with us, is leading us, and blessings us wherever we go and whatever we do.
Bible Study Note
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (KJV) says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might…And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” The word diligently comes from the Hebrew word Shanan (שָׁנַן). It means “sharpen or chew”. This means that you have to chew on the word of God first and digest it before you can teach others.
Rev Dr Je Cheol Cook