"Your sons do not follow your example." This comment by the elders of Israel to Samuel is a rather sad comment, not only on Samuel's family but on many human families. The elders could only see one way into the future - they demanded a king who would rule them like other nations. Some saints in the history of Europe have indeed been kings, but human nature being what it is, not every king in human history has been so ideal a ruler. With God ruling them through the judges or God's chosen leaders, Israel had a much greater opportunity of a peaceful and prosperous life, given, of course that they tried to put aside the baser instincts of fallen human nature and live according to the revelation and commandments of God. God never wanted Israel to have a human king, but God did not reject Israel for their headstrong demand for a king, God used their request to continue their formation, warning them that a king would not guarantee an ideal society and a fully desirable future.

For those who have ears to hear, the history of Israel is often a parable of our human condition.