1 Samuel 8:9-22 – The Result of Our Problem: Slavery
The people have asked for a king to judge (rule) them (v4). Now Samuel shows them how a king will judge (rule) them (v9). Samuel acts as a witness in a trial here; his whole speech has a legal feel. As you read it did you notice the word he repeats again and again? The king will take, take, take (v11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17). In a subtle wordplay Samuel says the very problems they are seeking freedom from – Eli’s sons taking the offering (2:14,16), Samuel’s sons taking bribes (8:3) – will be intensified. It will be out of the frying pan and into the fire. The king will take the privileges that belong to God. He will take the tenth of produce (v15, 17). He will take the land (v14). He will take them and their children as his (v11, 13, 17). He will take these things, but he will not give them deliverance like God did. They are swapping a king who takes much but who also gives much, for a king who will take the same and give far less in return. They will get oppression (v17b) and crying out (v18a). It’s a bum deal. And it all sounds very familiar – it’s the sound of Exodus 2:24 and affliction in Egypt. The king they’ve chosen will not deliver, but rather enslave. In chapter 7, when Samuel was their judge and God was their king, they cried out for help and God answered (7:9). But now, they will not be heard (v18). They will be slaves.
Friends, throwing off the rule of God is not the freedom we think. It is slavery. Since we tried to overthrow the throne in Eden, we have been slaves. Sin is not something we have a choice in. Sin is something we all are. We cannot not sin. We must obey. Self-rule is slavery. That’s why all other solutions fail. You can educate slaves, but they are still slaves. You can empower slaves, but they are still slaves. You can make slaves go to church, but they are still slaves. You can give slaves more money, but they are still slaves. The chains need to be broken. Are you still seeking freedom in self-rule, doing your own thing? Maybe in just one area of your life you’re tempted to go your own way. Your own way is the way of slavery.
Questions
- Do you think God the King demands too much? What does he give in return?
- Why does self-service only give slavery in return?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God would break the chains of sin-slavery in the lives of unsaved family and friends. Pray that God would empower you to live as freed sin-slaves, and as servants of him.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.