Kings dominate the story of the Bible, but the scriptural narrative expresses ambivalence towards monarchy. Some years after the people of Israel are rescued from slavery in Egypt and brought to the land God promised them, they begin to desire a king to rule over them. In one sense, the unfolding narrative suggests this desire is a good idea: kings are anointed by prophets, they unite the people, they build the temple in Jerusalem, and they win victories and defend—often against improbable odds—the tiny nations of Judah and Israel in battle.
Nonetheless, Israel’s experience of monarchy begins with the prophet Samuel warning the people against having a king, and indeed the subsequent history of faithless and idolatrous kings more than backs up that dire admonition.