ISRAEL, in the beginning of her national history, was a theocracy. God Himself was her King, who revealed His will through His prophets and through the inspired Word as committed to Moses and his successors. It was when the priesthood had broken down, and even the prophetic office failed in a measure, that the people demanded a king, in order that they might be more like the nations surrounding them. They were out of touch with God, and so they wanted an arm of flesh on which to lean. In response to their insistent plea, God gave them Saul, after warning them, through Samuel, of what his reign would mean. But nothing could dissuade or turn them aside from their determination to have a leader who could rule over them and command their armies in time of war. Saul was their choice as well as God’s. In vociferously acclaiming him their king, they were only carrying out what He had decreed, little as they realized it.
“God SEES my path: to Him ‘tis clear
When there’s no light to guide me;
So in the dark I do not fear
That evil may betide me.
God HEARS my cry; and when the way
Is rough, and feet will stumble,
He chideth not; Himself the Stay
And Comfort to the humble.
God KNOWS what lies in front of me,
Each step that must be taken;
Therefore I go assuredly.
In faith and trust unshaken.”