The Rejection of Samuel: Contemplating Monarchy and Divine Rule
1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a - Friday, 1st Week in Ordinary Time, January 12, 2024
In the eighth chapter of the Book of Samuel, the narrative delves into the people's plea for a king. It opens with Samuel's ageing and the misconduct of his appointed sons, mirroring the earlier transgressions of Eli and his sons (1 Sam 8:1-3). Samuel, portrayed as opposing their desire for a king, attempts to dissuade them, yet the people persist in their request.
Through the character of Samuel, the biblical author hints at monarchy as a "necessary evil." While charismatic leaders of the past failed to unify the tribes successfully, a centralized government bears its own negatives. The text outlines the rights of a king: military conscription, compulsory service, taxation, and land expropriation. Yet, was there an alternative solution during that era?
In the Western world, democracy is typically revered as the ideal governance system. However, the biblical author contemplates God's rule, distinct from theocracy. How could an invisible God exert direct influence in the visible world? The sole possibility appears to be through human agents. Yet, what occurs when a human agent disregards being a mere servant of God, claiming ultimate loyalty and authority over others?
The failures of charismatic leadership during the time of judges and the subsequent shortcomings of monarchs led the biblical authors to envision an ideal ruler: God's anointed—the Messiah. This aspiration finds articulation in the writings of Isaiah (Is 11:1-9) and Daniel (Dan 7:9-14).
The Church echoes this vision in the Preface on the Solemnity of Christ the King, portraying Jesus Christ as sovereign over all creation. His kingdom is depicted as eternal and universal, distinct from any other in human history—a kingdom characterized by truth, life, holiness, grace, justice, love, and peace (The Preface). Notably, when facing crucifixion, Jesus proclaimed to Pilate that His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36). This prompts contemplation about the state of affairs in this world.
The passage culminates with God instructing Samuel to concede to the people's demand: "Heed their voice and make them a king" (1 Sam 8:22a). Yet, the author reveals that Samuel did not immediately comply with God's directive. Instead, he dismissed the people, instructing them to return to their towns (1 Sam 8:22b). What significance lies in this action? Did Samuel grapple with the hurt of rejection by the people, or was he biding time to find a leader aligned with his intentions? The biblical text leaves these inquiries open-ended, preparing the narrative for the selection of a suitable king for Israel.