I Sam. 8 notes

I Sam. 8 is a marvelous subversive reading against monarchy. Perhaps one could extend it to power, political, economic social. The urge to be like other nations seems to be the opposite of the call to be a holy nation. Yet, it emerges from Samuel’s failure as a parent that matches Eli’s. The search for a successor shows that the faith in a charismatic leader appearing has faded. At the same time, God works within their decision but David is god’s choice after all, and the people learn to ratify it. 2) Note the people want a king for fighting their battles. One could point to our volunteer military that has permitted us to wage seemingly endless was in Iraq and Afghanistan. 3) What do you think of God’ s response to the people at v.22? 4) Dig into God’s feelings at v. 7 5) When do we blithely march into situations we have been warned about? 6) Should America prance about with its sense of divine favor after reading this passage? 7) How should Israel be and not be like other nations with its vocation as a blessing Gen. 12, and the claim to be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19)? 8) Notice that the verb take dominates the warnings v. 18 has cry out, as with the king of Egypt? Notice God will not answer.