Big Idea: Even when his people’s faith falls short of his expectations, the Lord remains faithful and makes provision for their deliverance.

Understanding the Text

Israel demanded to have a king like the nations that lived around them (1 Sam. 8). They wanted a leader who would ensure national security (8:19–20) through an army and alliances. Despite how they may have viewed this request, the Lord regarded it as a rejection of his authority (8:7): it showed that the people were not willing to demonstrate the radical, countercultural faith the Lord demanded from them. The Lord anticipated that the people would make this request (Deut. 17:14–20). But the Deuteronomic regulations do not authorize Israel to have a king like other nations, for the king is not to build a chariot force, secure p…