What does God think about democracy? The kingdom of Israel, as described in the Old Testament, was anything but democratic by modern standards. Nevertheless there are clues that suggest that God preferred a style of government whereby the governors were favoured and endorsed by the governed. In 1 Samuel 8, the elders of Israel decided they wanted a king. God made it clear through his prophet Samuel that he thought this was a bad idea but, if they wanted a king, they would get a king. God led Samuel to anoint Saul as king. He was presented to the people (i.e. most likely the tribal elders) and they were happy with the selection (1 Sam 10:24). This was hardly a free and fair election and Saul’s appointment certainly wasn’t unanimous (1 Sam 10:27) but, in a primitive form at least, this was a democratic process.
