The Lord had previously promised his people that they could have a king (see Deuteronomy 17:14–20) and thus the demand for a king was not sinful in and of itself.1 As early as the time of Abraham, the Lord had revealed that monarchy was part of his plan for his people (see Genesis 17:6, Genesis 17:16; Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17–19; 1 Samuel 2:10).2 Initially it seems as if the elders’ request for a king comes from a desire to ensure that Samuel’s good justice continues in Israel. Judging was one of the king's major responsibilities and necessary to maintain order in society (cf. 1 Samuel 8:20; 2 Samuel 14:1–17; 2 Samuel 15:2–6),3 and it makes a lot of sense for the people to make plans for the future.4 Later, however, it becomes clear that fear and a lack of confidence in the Lord is the real motive (see 1 Samuel 12:12). The elders think that a monarchy will help them to be better prepared for dealing with the Ammonite (and possibly also Philistine) threat. They do not want to wait for the Lord to act in his time to raise up a new judge. They want someone who is permanently ready to lead them in battle,5 a standing army to repel invading forces.6 They want a king to ensure and promote national security.7
5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.”