Politics of Power: Samuel 8

As Samuel ages and his children take over judging Israel their corruption worries the people. They seek for a King to rule over them. Samuel under the direction of the Lord warns them against such a course. He rehearses the dangers, servitude, taxation, war to increase boundaries (not just defense) and with it the conscription of their young men, they would belong to the King and be subject to his will. But the people are not dissuaded. They feel that under a King Israel will be more united and able to defend itself against its neighbors.  It would put them on equal footing with the nations around them, and give them a figurehead for which they could turn to in their need. Their fear means they are willing to trade their very unique God given freedoms, for their perceived security.

To be fair their system of government in the Promised Land had been unpredictable. Sometimes they had great Judges who were the means of mighty and miraculous deliverance, but oft times they spent many long years in subjection to surrounding nations and abject poverty. There were civil wars among the tribes and great disparity of wealth. While the children of Israel were wandering and led by Moses, their freedom was limited but consistent. In this new land with the personal freedoms that went with it, greater responsibility also meant greater troubles, people chose other than the Lord and captivity ensued.  Maybe a king would be a better option?

Actually they were partly right. With the kings came some great victories over their enemies, Israel was established as an important region of power and respect. Wealth improved and quality of life increased. But as Israel increased its borders it also needed more of its young men to maintain its conquests. The kings revered and worshiped, required tribute from the people to support a higher lifestyle, and required servants to keep this preeminence. Their lives were at the whim and direction of a King who often became more self-absorbed and mentally unstable.  Samuel’s predictions all came true.

One cannot help but draw striking parallels between ancient Israel and modern America. A new nation set up in a Promised Land, under the hand of God, with defined personal rights and a system of government designed to minimize a concentration of power.  This nation of collected tribes (states), went through inter-tribe conflicts and civil war, then united under a common flag, enlarged its borders through wars and treaties, taxing its people, concentration power and worshiping its figureheads. 

It is an interesting question to ask: Where in Israel’s lifecycle is America right now? What’s next?

Samuel annoints Saul King