Changes in Israel from Judges to King Solomon and their Impact

The beginning of the book of Judges saw an Israel bound together by common ancestry and the covenant given at Sinai and reaffirmed at the end of Joshua. As there was no king at this stage, God himself was Israel's king. However, the people broke faith with the covenant and their king. Through leaders known as judges, Israel is continually delivered from the consequences of this disobedience. 1st and 2nd Samuel record a dramatic change as the people call out for a king like the nations around them. Israel becomes a monarchy which as Samuel warns, has huge implications on life for the Israelites. The beginning of the monarchy with Saul means little real change but by the time Solomon comes on the scene Israel is vastly different. During his reign, King David secures the land originally promised to Israel before the initial conquest. By bringing the Ark of the covenant to his political capital Jerusalem, David ties together the political and religious offices of leadership. But it is not until Solomon's reign we see the negative outcomes of monarchy predicted by Samuel really come to fruition. Although Solomon does much to consolidate and prosper Israel through trade and political alliances, he also introduces taxes and forced labour which is contrary to scriptural commands (Deut. 17:14-20). The impact of this change in governance is both negative and positive. Kings throughout Israel's history mostly follow the pattern laid out by Solomon. Their hearts are divided in their devotion to the Lord and conflict is a constant companion. However, it is in this context that David receives the promise of a perpetual kingdom. This is and continues to be fully realised through Jesus the Messiah who will rightly rule not just over Israel but over the whole world.