Theocracy vs. Monarchy

I felt God impressed upon me to read from 1 Samuel 8. This passage describes the Israelites' request for Samuel to give them a king. Many years have passed since Samuel was a young boy, and he is now an older man who has sons of his own. The Israelites, seeing the other nations around them and feeling greed that they have kings, desire a king for themselves, no longer happy to be ruled by God and His judges. Samuel then delivers to the crowd a detailing of all the ways a king will exploit and domineer over them. Nevertheless, showing their foolishness, the Israelites do not relent and ask again for a king. It is a reminder of the foolishness of crowds and that wisdom can often be ignored. We should endeavor to instead honor God and listen to his guidance.