God as King: Why Israel’s Demand for a Human Ruler Was Rebellion. From the very beginning, Israel was unique among the nations. Unlike Egypt, Babylon, or Canaan, Israel had no human king. Their King was God Himself. The covenant at Sinai established a nation ruled directly by the LORD, through His law, prophets, and appointed leaders. Yet Israel’s story reveals a constant temptation: to be “like the nations.”

1 Samuel Summary: Kings, Giants, and the God Who Sees. 1 Samuel is the turning point between tribal chaos and national monarchy. Israel had no king—just judges and constant failure. But now they’re asking for a ruler like the nations around them. God gives them what they ask for, then shows them what they need.