12 “But when you saw Nahash, king of the Ammonites, preparing to attack you, you said to me, ‘No more of this. We want a king to lead us.’ And God was already your king!

13-15 “So here’s the king you wanted, the king you asked for. God has let you have your own way, given you a king. If you fear God, worship and obey him, and don’t rebel against what he tells you. If both you and your king follow God, no problem. God will be sure to save you. But if you don’t obey him and rebel against what he tells you, king or no king, you will fare no better than your fathers.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover-Case of  10
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover-Case of 10
Retail: $99.90
Our Price: $64.90
Save: $35.00 (35%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John - eBook
The Message Gospel of John - eBook
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.99
Save: $1.00 (20%)
The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook
The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $7.49
Save: $2.50 (25%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $4.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids
My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars