Articles
Person Of The Week: Samuel
Samuel was the last of the judges to rule over Israel. Israel had gone through several centuries of harassment and oppression by its enemies and wanted a more permanent leader -- a king like the other nations (I Sam. 8:5).
This rejection deeply hurt Samuel, for he had ruled with integrity. But the people didn’t realize the main problem was them, their own lack of faith and trust in God. And Samuel didn’t realize that the demand of the people for a king was less a referendum on him and more a rejection of God: “They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (I Sam. 8:7).
The Israelites had a “grass is always greener” outlook, and they learned that family dynasties and selfish monarchs were not the cure for what ailed them. Samuel had the distinction of anointing Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David. King Saul was an utter failure.
Rather than feeling smugly vindicated, however, Samuel grieved over Saul’s unfaithfulness and his detrimental impact upon the nation. God then sent the great judge and prophet to anoint David, but Samuel didn't live to see the great national revival and era of prosperity ushered in by King David.
