1 Samuel 8:18
When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day."
When that day comes,
This phrase refers to a future time when the Israelites will experience the consequences of their demand for a human king. The context is Samuel's warning to the Israelites about the implications of rejecting God as their king in favor of a human monarch. This reflects a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from a theocracy to a monarchy.

you will beg for relief
The Israelites will find themselves oppressed by the very king they desired. This phrase highlights the human tendency to seek relief from self-imposed burdens. It echoes the Israelites' past cries for deliverance from Egyptian slavery, illustrating a recurring cycle of disobedience and repentance.

from the king you have chosen,
The emphasis is on the people's choice, underscoring their responsibility for the consequences. This choice marks a significant shift in Israel's governance, as they move away from divine leadership. The phrase foreshadows the reigns of kings like Saul, who would later fail to meet the people's expectations.

but the LORD will not answer you on that day.”
This is a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's guidance. It reflects a divine judgment where God allows the people to experience the full impact of their decisions. This phrase connects to other instances in Scripture where God temporarily withholds His intervention as a form of discipline, such as in Judges 10:13-14. It also serves as a warning about the importance of aligning desires with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, who served as a prophet and leader. He warned the Israelites about the consequences of demanding a king.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel who demanded a king to lead them, desiring to be like other nations.

3. The King
Refers to the human monarchy that the Israelites demanded, which would lead to their oppression.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who had been their king and protector, warning them through Samuel.

5. The Day of Crying Out
A future time when the Israelites would regret their decision and suffer under the rule of their chosen king.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Rejecting God's Leadership
When we insist on our own way, rejecting God's guidance, we may face consequences that lead to regret and suffering.

The Consequences of Conformity
Desiring to be like others can lead us away from God's unique plan for us, resulting in negative outcomes.

The Importance of Heeding Warnings
God often provides warnings through His Word and His messengers. Ignoring these warnings can lead to dire consequences.

The Silence of God in Judgment
There are times when God allows us to experience the full weight of our choices, and His silence can be a form of judgment.

The Need for Repentance and Return
Even when we face the consequences of our choices, God is merciful and calls us to repentance and restoration.
Bible Study Questions
1. What motivated the Israelites to demand a king, and how can we relate this to our own desires for worldly conformity?

2. How does the warning in 1 Samuel 8:18 reflect the principle of sowing and reaping found in other parts of Scripture?

3. In what ways can we discern God's warnings in our lives today, and how should we respond to them?

4. How does the concept of God allowing us to face the consequences of our choices challenge or encourage your understanding of His character?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the silence of God. How did it impact your faith journey, and what steps did you take to seek His guidance again?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
This passage provides guidelines for a king in Israel, showing that God anticipated their request but also set boundaries to prevent abuse of power.

Judges 21:25
Highlights the period of the judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," setting the stage for the Israelites' desire for a king.

Hosea 13:10-11
God reminds Israel of their request for a king and the consequences that followed, reinforcing the message of 1 Samuel 8:18.

Psalm 106:15
Illustrates the principle of God granting the desires of His people but sending leanness into their soul, similar to the Israelites' request for a king.

Proverbs 1:28-31
Speaks of the consequences of rejecting wisdom and the resulting cry for help that goes unanswered, paralleling the warning in 1 Samuel 8:18.
A King Instead of a GodG. B. Ryley.1 Samuel 8:4-20
Asking for a KingMonday Club Sermons1 Samuel 8:4-20
Asking for a KingG. C. Heckman, D. D.1 Samuel 8:4-20
Demand for the Tangible and VisibleA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Samuel 8:4-20
Israel Asking for a KingM. Lucas.1 Samuel 8:4-20
Making a KingJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 8:4-20
Political TransitionsJ. S. Exell, M. A.1 Samuel 8:4-20
The Disaffected PeopleR. Steel.1 Samuel 8:4-20
Israel's Desire for a KingB Dale 1 Samuel 8:4-22
The Popular Desire for a KingB Dale 1 Samuel 8:4-22
People
Abiah, Abijah, Joel, Samuel
Places
Beersheba, Egypt, Ramah
Topics
Chosen, Cried, Cry, Crying, Relief, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 8:10-18

     5577   taxation

1 Samuel 8:11-18

     5311   extortion

Library
'Make us a King'
'Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel, onto Ramah, 5. And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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