As Samuel grows old, the elders of Israel rightly recognize the corruption of Samuel's sons, who are unfit to be judges in Samuel's place. However, the elders of Israel wrongly ask that Samuel set up a king over them so that they would be like the other nations. The LORD says that this request is a rejection of His reign, but He still tells Samuel to give Israel what they want. Even as Samuel warns them that a king like all the other nations will not be all that they think, the people persist in their sinful desire. Graciously, the LORD uses this request to ultimately bring us the King that we need, our Savior Jesus.

Rev. Kurt Ulmer, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Wylie, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 8:1-22.

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]