Comparing Ancient Demands for a King to Modern Leadership Choices
Let’s break down a big moment from the Bible and see how it connects to recent events in American politics—particularly the Trump administration.
Back in the Day: Israel Demanded a King
Picture ancient Israel: for a long time, they didn’t have a human king. Instead, they were ruled by judges, and ultimately, God was considered their true king. But things changed in 1 Samuel 8. The people of Israel looked around and saw that all the other nations had kings, and they felt left out or maybe insecure. So, they went to the prophet Samuel and demanded a king of their own.
Why did they want this? In simple terms:
· They wanted to be like everyone else. The Israelites saw other nations looking powerful and organized under kings, and they wanted that same structure.
· They were tired of corruption. Samuel’s sons, who were supposed to help lead, were crooked judges. The elders thought a king would fix things.
· They didn’t trust in the invisible. God, as their unseen king, didn’t seem “real” or present enough to them, so they wanted someone tangible and visible in charge.
Samuel warned them: “If you get a king, he’s going to take your sons for his army, take your daughters for work, and tax you to fund his own lifestyle.” But the people insisted, and God told Samuel to give them what they wanted. Saul was made king, and for a while, he did well, but eventually things got messy.
God’s Reaction—and the Warning
God wasn’t happy about their choice. He even sent a storm to show his displeasure, making it very clear this was a spiritual mistake. The shift from being ruled by God and judges to a monarchy changed Israel forever—it set them on a road that had ups and downs, regret, and consequences.
How Is This Like Modern Politics?
So, what does this ancient story have to do with today’s world—say, the rise of Donald Trump as President?
· Desire for Strong Leadership: Just like the Israelites wanted a king to feel more secure and “like other nations,” many Americans wanted a powerful, decisive leader who would stand out from previous politicians. They wanted someone who promised to shake things up and make the country “great again.”
· Disappointment with Current System: The Israelites were fed up with corrupt judges; likewise, some voters were frustrated by what they saw as corruption or ineffectiveness in government. They hoped that a bold leader could fix things.
· Ignoring Warnings: Samuel warned the people about the downsides of monarchy—but the people didn’t listen. In recent years, experts and critics have warned about the risks of giving too much power to one leader or following someone’s personality over their policies. Yet, many still went ahead, drawn by promises and charisma.
· The Long-Term Consequences: Israel’s choice of a king led to regrets and complicated history. In politics, choosing a leader for bold change can have lasting effects—some good, some bad, and some that only become clear much later.
Lessons We Can Learn
Put simply, the story of Israel wanting a king is a lesson about wanting quick fixes, strong personalities, and clear leadership, sometimes at the cost of deeper values or warnings. Whether in ancient times or today, people often look for leaders who promise safety, identity, and solutions—sometimes ignoring the problems that can come with those choices.
Think Before You Choose
Before choosing a leader—be it a king in the past or a president today—it’s wise to listen to warnings, think about the long-term consequences, and remember that true strength isn’t always about following the crowd or picking the flashiest candidate.
In the end, the story reminds us: change can feel exciting, but it’s worth asking what we might be giving up in the process.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 