Israel's First King

It is interesting that God very openly tells Israel as well as Samuel that it was wrong for Israel to ask for a king. He says that they rejected Him as their King and that it was sinful to ask for a king to be like other nations around them. However, God lets them have a king. More than that, He chooses Saul -- exactly the kind of king Israel wanted. In 1 Samuel 12 God sends rain and thunder to confirm their wickedness of asking for a king and also confirms His commitment to Israel. Samuel encourages Israel to do what is right before God and the Lord promises to take care of His people.