For many years, God's chosen people Israel had lived without a need for a king. The only Ruler they had needed was God Himself. But now, after finally moving into the land God had promised them, they were asking for a human king. It seemed like a harmless and reasonable request since all the other nations around them had their own kings. But, it would only be a few centuries before Israel's kings would lead them to their destruction and defeat through poor choices and idolatry. Even today, God wants to be the only King of His followers and we make a big mistake by not giving Him His rightful place in our lives!