The Ideal King

Compare this with yesterday's reading. It is amazing that even though it wasn't God's highest plan for Israel, He still gave instructions to Israel about their future king. He knew that they would eventually see the kings of the nations around them and desire this for themselves. However, as you read these instructions you can almost feel what is to come.

God's heart for the king was not to lord it over the people but to serve the people. God's heart for the king was not for them to hold onto power but to submit to His power in humble obedience. God's heart for the king unfortunately would not be realized in Saul... or David... or Solomon, or in fact, in any of these flawed rulers. All of them would fail to meet at least one of these instructions.

The stories of the kings are a reminder to each of us that no human ever lives up to the standard God sets for them. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). None of us would have done any better. It is also a reminder of just how much we need the Spirit of God working in our lives and in our hearts.

Thought Point

Why do you think God gave these instructions through Moses, even when He was Israel's only true king?

Prayer Point

Confess to God your own weakness and dependence on Him. Ask Him to give you the wisdom and strength to live in humble obedience to His will.