In chapter 8, the people decide that they want a king like all the surounding nations. This is a similar situation to the ark in chapter 4. The people recognise there is a problem (ch4 - defeat in battle, ch 8 Samuel's sons not doing their job properly), but instead of crying out to God for His solution they ask for their own solution (ch4 - the ark, ch 8 - a king). They are happy for God to help, as long as he helps in the way they have already decided they should be helped. They think they know better than God for a solution to their current situation. How often do I do that?!
The description of the king that Samuel gives is just what a good king would do, many would be far worse and have the people as practical slaves. How often do we do this? Looking around at what everybody else is doing and desiring that "freedom" when in actual fact it is slavery. Coming under God's rule, having Him as our King is the only way to be truly free.
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