The Last Judge
First Samuel 7:2 to 12:25
The last chapters of the book of Judges, with their refrain: there was no king in Isra’el (Judges 18:1, 19:1, and 21:25), prepare the way for new developments in Isra’el’s leadership. The judges had been military as well as judicial leaders, effective in an emergency (though Samson did not fulfill his early promise), but limited by their geographical boundaries and by the nature of their office, for they did not appoint their successor. At a time of uncertainty due to external pressure from aggressors, Isra’el felt the need of a leader who would unite the tribes, have an effective standing army, and be a match for those who led their enemies to victory. It is hardly surprising that there were differences of opinion in Isra’el if it was proper to ask for a king when ADONAI was their King, and Samuel would bear the brunt of the conflict in his future capacity as judge, priest, and prophet, after the style of Moses.165
Leave A Comment