Jewish religion in religious studies — Asking for a king
October 20, 2010
Jewish religion in religious studies — When Samuel was old, the leaders of Israel went to his home,
and said: `Appoint a king to rule over us. We want to have a
king, as other nations do.’ This request upset Samuel, so he
prayed to the Lord. The Lord answered: `Listen to all the
people are saying to you. In asking for a king, they are
rejecting not only your leadership, but also mine. From the
time I brought them out of Egypt they have turned away
from me, and worshipped other gods; now they are doing to
you what they have always done to me. So listen to them; but
solemnly warn them of how their king will treat them.’
Samuel said to the leaders: `This is how your king will
treat you. He will turn some of your sons into soldiers; they
will ride in chariots pulled by horses, or march in front of
the chariots. He will appoint a few of them officers in charge
of a thousand men or fifty men. He will compel your other
sons to plough his fields, harvest his crops, and make
weapons of war. Your daughters will have to make perfumes
for him, and cook food for his table. He will take your best
f i elds, vineyards and olive-groves, and give them to his
officials. He will take a tenth of your corn and your grapes,
and give them to his attendants. He will take your servants,
and your best cattle and donkeys, and make them work for
him. And he will take a tenth of your flocks of sheep. You
yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you
will cry out to be saved from the king you have demanded;
but the Lord will not listen to you.’
i Samuel 8. 1a, 40, Sb- 18
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Posted by Angelia Kates · Filed Under Religion
