Give unto us a king: why Israel need not fear the coming elections

by Tom Brennan,

The twelve sons of Jacob became twelve tribes who became a people. After they returned to the Canaan led by Moses, they settled into a sense of nationalism not unlike we have seen in most nations. They were bordered and threatened by kingdoms and empires and sought to assert themselves on a wider stage. The Israelites had been governed by Judges, persons divinely appointed to lead and govern the people under Torah. The exploits of Gideon, Deborah and Barak are clear examples of what a nation which acknowledges The Almighty as its ruler can do. But they wanted a king like the other nations, and a king they were given.

Saul was every inch a king. He was tall, strong, charismatic and a warrior. The Prophet Samuel was sent to anoint him and Saul was well received by the people, but Saul was not a man of God, he was what men saw as a leader not what God wanted. God looks at the heart and Saul’s heart was not fully God’s. Instead a boy who was the “runt of the litter” of his family was secretly chosen by God to become Israel’s greatest king.

America is in the start of what promises to be a tumultuous Presidential campaign. Several of the candidates have excellent records in support of Israel; several are profoundly straightforward in their Biblical beliefs. Others are ambivalent and have changed their outlook numerous times. At least two are openly hostile to Israel and one has an Iranian Muslim as a close advisor. Europe and Scandinavia are seeing the results of the massive refugee influx and an occupation by a hostile Muslim population seeking to impose Sharia Law on the citizens. These actions will have dramatic political circumstances to be sure. What Islam failed to accomplish in 732 (Battle of Tours that checked Muslim advance into Europe); it will press on in 2016.

Israel continues to see violent attacks, murders and daily threats by terrorists and bias by the UN and world press. Yet it continues to guarantee liberty, freedom of religion and even medical care to those within its borders who oppose it. Israel is a secular democracy, a parliamentary form. It is not a perfect State, but its prime minister is a man of deep faith. Although many wonder if Israel can survive the forces against it, we know it can and must. “If God is for us, who can be against us”. Israel survived its Saul to glory in its David.

Long ago Israel chose to be like other nations and forsake its Judges for kings. Today we still have kings but our Judge is The Almighty. Israel acknowledges its ultimate Judge and its earthly government under Him. We must do likewise.

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