I Samuel, a book of the Old Testament, which provides the primary source for the history of Israel during the 11th and 10th centuries B.C. The book of Samuel relates the history of the Israelites people from the end of the period of the Judges to the last years of King David's life and reign. (2 Samuel also) Some scholars believe that Samuel wrote the book, but the events that occurred after Samuel's death was credited to the Hebrew prophet Gad and the prophet Nathan.
             The days of the judges were dark until God rose up Samuel as a prophet, priest, and judge. Samuel would do what was right in God's eyes. But the people weren't satisfied. They complained, "appoint a king for us to judge us like all the other nation!" With that plea they rejected the Lord as their King. What would it be like to live under a monarchy rather than a theocracy? The children of Israel were soon to find out as the times of the kings began.
             In the first chapter of Samuel, Hannah prays for a child, and she bears Samuel. Hannah thanks God, by dedicating Samuel to God. When Samuel is older and a judge, the people ask for a king. Saul is crowned king, but soon after Samuel's death he does a wicked thing. God rejects Saul and David becomes king. The Israelites did in their own eyes as they saw fit, so in a way a king was good, but what the kings choose to do was wrong. Same with our leadership today, but we all must trust God. '"For I know the plans I for you!" said the Lord.'
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