The Lord had, through His prophets, foretold that Israel would be governed by a king; but it does not follow that this form of government was best for them or according to His will. He permitted the people to follow their own choice, because they refused to be guided by His counsel. Hosea declares that God gave them a king in His anger. Hosea 13:11. When men choose to have their own way, without seeking counsel from God, or in opposition to His revealed will, He often grants their desires, in order that, through the bitter experience 606 that follows, they may be led to realize their folly and to repent of their sin. Human pride and wisdom will prove a dangerous guide. That which the heart desires contrary to the will of God will in the end be found a curse rather than a blessing.

Samuels vise og resultatrige ledelse af landet havde kun et sidestykke i Josuas regering. Samuel var blevet indsat som dommer, profet og præst af Gud. Han arbejdede utrætteligt og uselvisk for folkets ve og vel, og nationen blomstrede under hans vise ledelse. Der var blevet indført system og orden, den sande gudsdyrkelse vandt indpas igen, og utilfredsheden forstummede for en tid. Men da profeten blev ældre, så han sig nødsaget til at dele ansvaret for landets styrelse med andre og indsatte sine to sønner som sine assistenter. Samuel vedblev at varetage sine embedspligter i Rama, og de unge mænd blev sendt til Beersjeba for at dømme folket i nærheden af landets sydgrænse.