The Lord’s Prayer

II. The second part; God before man.
    It is great to consider the Lord’s prayer, and what it emphasizes. One does not have to have special insight to see that the Lord’s prayer puts the indescribable God, who is above all, and over all, first. This is getting the priorities straight. Mankind needs to stop the inward focus, our problems in the flesh are the least of our problems; turn your eyes to Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth shall pass away, in the light of His glory and grace (remember that hymn?).
    It is also important to note that there is no intermediary to whom mankind should pray, our prayers go straight to God through the Holy Spirit, who is the one that we should want helping us (Romans 8:26). Any logic that suggests otherwise is of the earth, it is earthly thinking. We pray to our heavenly/Spiritual Father, He exist in a realm that mankind can neither see nor understand; whose existence is beyond our understanding; and whose purpose for mankind we are only beginning to understand.
    God is first in this prayer, and the things of God are listed first in this prayer, the kingdom of God, the Holy God.

1. Thy kingdom come.

    Matt. 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
    Thy kingdom come. Three words that show the desire for the righteous kingdom of God to come. Three words in which lay the purpose of God and the hope of mankind.
    The biblical discussion of the kingdom of God is not simply about living in a golden city and walking on streets of gold. The biblical discussion about the kingdom of God is also not just a New Testament discussion; it begins in the Old Testament.


1. The beginning, Abram looked for a city.

    Heb. 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
    The author finds this verse referring to Abram quite interesting because it says something of Abram that is not seen in the Genesis account. Abram looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It appears that when Abram began his journey of faith to the land of promise that he had two things, the promise that God had made to him, and an idea of a city built by God.
    A city built by God should be of interest to any believer. And more so, considering that there were cities built by man in existence at the time of Abraham. Cities where mankind ruled in all their wisdom, where wickedness was rampant, where equity was hard to find, where the ordinances were not applied equally to all (Psalm 99:4).

    Gen. 10:8-12 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. 10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, 12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.
    The first cities recorded to exist in the bible. And it is no surprise that the first cities are found in the land of Shinar where the seed of Noah settled after leaving the ark. The beginning of Nimrods kingdom is marked by cities, not by peoples or lands.

    Genesis 11:1-5 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
    In the land of Shinar, on a plain, mankind first settled after the flood and decided to make a name for themselves. This city is called Babel in Genesis 10:10, later it is the capitol of Babylonia, where mankind started to build, where God came down to see the city and the tower, and it is where God confused the languages to spread mankind. But this city becomes notable in the Old Testament, and is associated with the wickedness of mankind, and that wickedness that started at the city of Babylon is destroyed in Revelation 17-18.
    Babel = 0894 Confusion (by mixing). Which describes the wisdom of mankind that is very much is in practice today; a wisdom that is designed to confuse mankind about Jehovah God, about His righteousness, that is, lawful, just, and right.

    Thus, Abraham looked for a city, a unique city where righteousness could be found, because it was built by God. A city unsoiled by the sinful hands of mankind.
    Is it hard to believe that wickedness prevailed in the time of Abram? Have we forgotten that God has destroyed the earth once already due to the wickedness of mankind (Genesis 6:5-8)? Remember what is inside of mankind when they are not walking in obedience to the will of God, the thoughts of their hearts being only evil continually. Are we unable to extrapolate that walking hand in hand with disobedience is evil, unrighteousness, inequality, and ignorance of the way of God (ordinance, just judgement, righteousness)? We could change the language and say murder, hate, violence, and all forms of excess that the author is ashamed to name or does not even know or comprehend.


1. Abram and Sodom and Gomorrah.

    Abram understands righteousness and unrighteousness.
    Genesis 18:1-5 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
    Abram is living in the plains of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, he has lived here for more than ten years.


    Gen. 13:17-18 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. 18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

    Gen. 16:3 And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.


    Down in the valley, or shall we say the Jordan valley, are Sodom and Gomorrah. Cities that are known for their wickedness. Remember that all have sinned, and that there is none righteous no not one. It is not the intention of the author to blame cities for the evils of mankind, the problem is in the hearts of mankind, and a city is a place where mankind groups together, where every imagination of the thoughts of their hearts can be exercised, with willing confederates.

    Gen. 13:10-13 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. 11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. 12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
    Exceedingly = the people of Sodom were in the upper percentiles of wickedness. All have sinned and come short, but the people of Sodom excelled.
    Note that Abraham is pleading for the deliverance of the righteous from the fate of the wicked. Abraham knew that these cities on the earth were full of wickedness and that Righteousness (the qualities of God) were scarce.

    Gen. 18:16-24 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. 17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. 20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. 29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake. 30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. 31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake. 32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. 33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
    Lawlessness prevails, no law and order, and strangers on the street at night were in extreme danger. Sounds like parts of some cities that exist today, with people given to all excesses of sin, evil people, who have a reserved seat in eternal judgement.
    Sad, that in Sodom and Gomorrah there are less than ten righteous people found (defined by God’s standard), it is a sad commentary on the hearts of mankind, seeking after personal gratification without regard for other people, or for the will of God.
    Do not be led astray, Abraham knows the hearts of mankind and the evil that is found in the cities of mankind. Mankind grouped can behave viciously, like a pack of dogs, and as the dogs, have no remorse for their evil deeds.



2. God’s promise to Abram, a land, a great nation.

    Remember that Abram began his journey of faith with three things; God’s promise, faith in that promise, and a vision of a city.
    Genesis 12:1-4 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
    Does a land need a city to be notable?
    Hopefully a familiar reading. Abram believed the promise of God, leaving his home to undertake the journey of faith. A nation of people need a land in which to dwell, a land in which to grow roots, and in which they can establish themselves. Is a city also needed, a place of law and order (justice), equal treatment under the law, and mercy? God promised both, a land for the descendants of Abram who would grow into a great people and a place of righteousness.


1. A kingdom, a Holy nation, of peculiar people.

    Exodus 19:1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
    Amazing promises from God. Israel has spent over four hundred years living in the kingdom of Egypt, under the authority of mankind, the Pharaohs. During this time they had come to know the unrighteousness, inequality, and the ordinances of mankind; being held in bondage and forced to serve against their will. In Egypt wickedness prevailed, and justice for Israel was scarce; Egypt was a very lopsided place when it came to the treatment of the people of God, and the people of God lived in a land in which they did not belong.
    Then they call on God, and the Father of us all heard, and provided deliverance. At the time God speaks to them of a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, promises that speak of a completely different relationship with God than Israel knew at the time (and not understood by many of God’s people today); and a kingdom where Israel will dwell, where righteousness is the rule.
    Please do not overlook this point, take time to consider God, and the words that describe God, that describe the characteristics of God. In the mind of the author, righteousness is a key word in describing God by describing what is dear to God.

    Peculiar = 05459 cegullah {seg-ool-law'} Meaning: 1) possession, property 1a) valued property, peculiar treasure 1b) treasure Origin: from an unused root meaning to shut up; TWOT - 1460a; n f pass part Usage: AV - peculiar treasure 3, peculiar 2, special 1, jewel 1, particular treasure 1; 8
    The people of God are special to Him, something that many do not understand at this time will be obvious when the Lord returns. Just as we read in the Old Testament God has a special place for His people, a land that is chosen (sacred?) by God, a place for His people to dwell.


2. A Holy nation with a righteous law.

    Deuteronomy 4:1-9 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
    How blessed are we to have the Bible today?
    God has, since before the foundation of the world, been planning for His kingdom. As such, God gave them statutes and judgements that are righteous; by which a nation could prosper, and by which the people of God would walk with God forever.
    It is wonderful to read this passage and be reminded of how special the words of God are, and the need for mankind to follow after the words that are given by God.
    How many that call themselves the people of God today do not believe that the Bible is the word of God, that God inspired some to write His words down for the rest of us.

    Deut. 4:10-14 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. 11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. 12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. 13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. 14 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.
    Amazing that those that saw this sight corrupted themselves while Moses was still on the mount speaking with God.
    God began to teach His people by putting them in fear of Him, so that they would respect Him and do the things that He said to do, a fear that should have grown to love. But Israel lacked the trust/faith (love) in God that they needed at Kadesh Barnea, they did not enter the promised land, and instead died in the wilderness. Their children that trusted/faith (love) in God did enter the land.


3. A Holy nation judged in Righteousness.

    Deut. 16:18-20 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
    The God that loves Judgement, and as the verse points out Judgement is closely related to righteousness. The Father of us all, has established a kingdom that will be ruled in righteousness, characterized by just judgement, without respect of persons, bribes will not affect His judgement or pervert words.

    Psalm 99:1-5 The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. 2 The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. 3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. 4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
    We looked at this passage just a few lessons ago, and the following was stated ...
    Verse 4: The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
    The King’s strength to love judgement. Which means, our Father loves judgement. This is no surprise after the discussion of righteousness in the Faith = Righteousness Study. All that God does is based upon justice, i.e. judgement, i.e. righteousness. Even mercy and grace are based on the three just mentioned, equity, judgement, and righteousness.
    Make note of these three, they are important throughout the bible, and note the strength of the King, which is to love judgement.
    Where are these things in the world today; all seems corrupted from the top to the bottom on earth. But above the heavens is our loving Father, He loves judgement, establishes equity, and executes judgement and righteousness. By these things we know that the peoples over whom the Lord reigns will prosper.

    Just judgement for the people of the land. Judges that hold to the ordinance, but understand mercy. No favors, no bribes, no respect of persons; just justice.
    If you say that there will be no need for justice in that day, do not forget that it is a just God, through His righteousness, and the blood of Christ Jesus, that will get the people of God in to the kingdom of God.



3. Balaam prophesied of a kingdom ... Thy Kingdom come ...

    Israel is pitched in the plains of Moab beside the Jordan, across from Jericho. The Moabites, in whose land Israel pitched, and the Midianites were sore afraid of Israel, so Balak the king of the Moabites consulted with the Midianites and they sent a delegation to Balaam, a prophet, asking him to curse Israel (Numbers 22:1-). The following is the third attempt on the part of Balaam to curse Israel, ...

    Numbers 24:1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. 3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: 4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! 6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. 7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. 9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
    The prophecy of Balaam, when the Spirit of God came upon him, the king of Israel shall be higher than Agag (not the one spared by Saul and killed by Samuel), and his kingdom shall be exalted.
    Fascinating, God is teaching the nations that border Israel about His people, their king, and their kingdom. The Midianites and the Moabites fear Israel, God rejoices in the beauty of Israel encamped at the river Jordan.
    What those that do not know God fear, God rejoices in.


4. The word kingdom is used with greater frequency after Israel has a king.

    (The author does not understand the mind of the Lord, nor how the Spirit moves; these scriptures are presented going backwards from 1 Samuel 11:14, trying to find the beginning of the discussion between Samuel and Saul about the kingdom of God).
    Incredibly fitting, we hear more about a kingdom when a king is part of the equation. This is also applicable in our time, when you speak of a kingdom then you need to consider a king; and when it is the kingdom of God, who is the king?

    1 Sam. 11:11-15 11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. 12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. 13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. 14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. 15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
     This is very interesting because very little has been said about the kingdom of Israel, or God, prior to this in the Old Testament. There are far more references to the kingdom of Og and Sihon, than to the kingdom of Israel or God up to this point. Therefore, we could draw the conclusion that there was a common understanding of the kingdom of Israel/God. Samuel uses the words, to renew the kingdom, the meaning is clear, renew, repair; Samuel is saying, make new something that already exists and has fallen into disrepair. Then Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly; they knew of this kingdom and the glory that it had at one time, in the times of Joshua (let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there).

    1 Sam. 10:22-27 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. 23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. 25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. 27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
    Granted, Samuel has been speaking of the kingdom, but does this change Samuel’s later statement with regard to renewing the kingdom? Do not forget that the Israelites had grown farther and farther away from God, the time of the judges have come and is now coming to an end. The glory of Israel under Joshua, the conquest of Canaan, the dividing of the land is long in the past.
    As too the matter of Samuel writing in a book the manner of the kingdom, the author has no further knowledge of this at this time; but is open for suggestions due to an over abundance of curiosity.
    Samuel is teaching the people of Israel about the kingdom promised by God, a righteous kingdom.

    1 Sam. 10:14-16 And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. 15 And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. 16 And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
    Samuel also spoke to Saul of the kingdom. When and where did Samuel speak to Saul of the kingdom?


    1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
    This is the most obvious reference to Samuel speaking to Saul of the kingdom, but note the lack of any use of the word kingdom. Is it possible to be speaking of the kingdom without referring to the kingdom? But what Samuel does is related to the kingdom.
     Samuel anointed Saul with oil, signifying a special relationship with God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Samuel has anointed Saul to be king (captain over His inheritance c.f. Joshua 5:15) over the people of God. It is arguable that there is no kingdom without a king.
    1 Sam. 9:19-21 And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart. 20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? 21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
    This is the next closest reference to Samuel mentioning anything related to the kingdom.

    God is doing as the people of Israel wanted, note the phrase, on whom is all the desire of Israel; a king has just been anointed by God, through Samuel, according to the will of the people of Israel.



1. Why did Israel never fully appreciate God being their king (1Samuel 12:1-)?

    1 Samuel 8:1-6 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
    The people of God desire a king. By comparing themselves against the nations around them they have found themselves different and in ignorance believe that the people around them have the advantage.
    1 Sam. 8:19-22 19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; 20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
    Has Israel completely forgotten God at this point? They have confused the things of the earth with the things of heaven, and have deemed the earthly to be of greater value than the heavenly. Consequently it is possible to conclude that the people of God have forgotten God. Have we?

    A few words about this section: After extolling the greatness of the indescribable God (which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; the son of man praying, thy kingdom come, is showing the desire that all of the people of God should have; for God to come in the glory of His righteous kingdom.     Have we forgotten God, have we forgotten the work of God to establish His eternal kingdom? Arguably yes. The people of God are preoccupied with the things of this world to the point that God, and the heavenly things are forgotten; and specific doctrines have been created to reinforce this illusion, Take heed.


    Psalm 42:1-5 (To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.) As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
    Do we long (panteth) for God? Are we thirsty for God? Is our life empty without the living God? Tears have been for food day and night, they mock us saying, where is thy God? There was a relationship with God, what happened? If we had the voice of joy and praise why are we disturbed now? Hope in God, for we will yet praise Him.


    Psalm 2:1-12 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
    The king, that will rule over the kingdom of God for a thousand years is Jesus Christ the Son of God (Revelation 20:2-6; 1Corinthians 15:22-27).
    When the son of man expressed our desire for the kingdom of God, it should also be understood we desire the Son of God to come in the glory of the Father to rule over that kingdom.

    A few final words: When Jesus, the son of man, says, Thy kingdom come, He is expressing the desire of the people of God for the glory of God to be revealed; for the kingdom of God to be revealed, and for the King, the Son of God, to sit on the throne of David and rule in righteousness.