My scripture studies article on 1 Samuel 9-11; 13; 15-17. Quote from the opening paragraph:
“Throughout many generations of early Israelite history charismatic leaders upon whom the spirit of the Lord descended delivered the Israelites from the hand of their enemies. These deliverers and saviors were known as judges. Although the Lord did send saviors unto his people to deliver them from their enemies in proportion to the faith and righteousness that they exercised, such intermittent leadership taxed the people’s sense of security. So they clamored unto God for the institution of kingship that they might be like the other nations which surrounded them (1 Samuel 8:20).”
