During the time of Samuel, why did the people of Israel desire a king?
The people of Israel demanded a king during this time due to several reasons. The age of Samuel contributed greatly to the demand of a king by the Israelites. Samuel was old enough that he could no longer led the Israelites. The Israelites, therefore, needed someone strong to take over Samuel in leading Israel. The other reason why the people of Israel demanded for a king was due to the fact that the sons of Samuel were very corrupt and could not provide services in a just and fair manner to the people of Israel. The people of Israel were, therefore, in need of a king who could serve them without bribery and corruption so as to facilitate justice and fairness in Israel. The people of Israel also demanded for a king because they wanted a political leader other than just a mere religious leader like the case of judges. The judges only served the people of Israel at times of crisis but the Israelites wanted a leader who could attend to their issues throughout. The Israelites also imitated their neighboring regions which were led by kings making them demand for a king. The pressure of imitation from their neighbors also contributed to the demand for a king in Israel during the time of Samuel. The people of Israel during the time of Samuel desired for a king because they wanted a leader to guide them during the time of war. This, therefore, led to the pressure and desire for a king in Israel during the time of Samuel.
Why was Saul chosen, and, ultimately, why was he rejected?
Saul was chosen as king merely based on his outward appearance. Saul was a tall and a handsome young person. This made the people to admire his appearance rather than the heart of Saul. It is stated in the bible that, the son of Kish, Saul, was taller than anyone else in Israel. Saul was also chosen due to the rush of the Israelites for change. The hurry and rush made the Israelites choose Saul as their king based on the outward appearance. The king Samuel instructed the Israelites that the next king should come from the tribe of Judah but the people chose Saul who was from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul was rejected because he disobeyed the mosaic covenant. This was against the will of God. Samuel warned Saul against his disobedience but Saul never took the words of Samuel into consideration. Saul also failed to attack the Amalekites which was against the wish of God. This, therefore, made Saul to be rejected for his failure to obey the commandments of God. God looks into the heart of a person and not the outward appearance.
What attribute did David display that made him a better king than Saul?
David was a shepherd and a hero who emerged during the reign of Saul. David was courageous and brave enough to face the giant of Philistines. He killed Goliath, a fact that made him a hero. He rose through several ranks in the army of Saul. He became one of the major generals in the army of Israel. The people of Israel therefore liked and supported David. This made Saul jealous of the support behind David. David was a king who was prophesied to Israelites and Hebrews making him better than Saul who was chosen blindly due to the rush for change. It is shown in the Bible that David was a man after the heart of God. He also built the temple of God as well as consolidating the support of the whole nation. God also protected David from all his enemies. It is also stated in the Bible that the love of God was bestowed upon David and could not be taken away like for the case of Saul. David also played an important role in extending the borders of Israel to cover the fertile land and Jerusalem. David took heed of the advice of Prophet Nathan as well as being obedient to the words of God. These attributes, therefore, made David more successful than Saul. David continued to praise the lord as well as seeking guidance even in the time of temptation. The King was needed to facilitate the executive, administrative and legislative functions in an effective and efficient manner. The king was also needed because only the king could honor the kingdom of God.
What sin did Solomon commit that ultimately led to the division of Israel after his death?
Despite the fact that Solomon was granted wisdom by God and building the temple of God, he failed to obey the commandments and the will of God. He also played an important role in the achievement of international integration and abundance. He married many wives and engaged in polygamy which is against the will of God. The pride of Solomon also ruined his relationship with God. The acts of disobedience, therefore, made Solomon fail in achieving the will of God leading to the weakness in the leadership of Israel. The marriage with foreign women led to the weakness of kingship in Israel. This, therefore, led to the failure of the kingdom of Israel.
