God's Guidance and the Nature of Kingship in the Book of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel Anonymous College

When the Bible first introduces the establishment of a kingship in 1 Samuel, God vocalizes his dissent since he is the only ruler that his people need to live prosperously. Even so, the Israelites continue to push for a monarch who can lead the people politically and militarily resulting in the prophet Samuel eventually conceding to their request with God’s approval. This decision is made despite the Israelistes being warned that political life will result in evil. The only stipulation to having a ruler is that the political figurehead and his people continue to heed God’s words whatever they may be. When the anointed kings in the books of Samuel act according to their God’s will, God shows them favor and blesses them with a variety of gifts; however, when God’s cautions fall upon deaf ears, his wrath and divine judgment punishes the people.

When a monarchy is finally established, the Bible makes it clear that only with God’s guidance can a king have a successful political life. The twelfth chapter in the first book of Samuel explicitly states, “If you fear the Lord and serve Him and heed His voice and rebel not against the Lord’s words, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, He will...