Hi Sophiee, Israel is not like other nations. We have the brit (covenant). Therefore we should be judged DIFFERENTLY than the other nations. This is why G-d says He is rejected -- are we rejecting His Torah when we ask to be judged the same as other nations?

First, lets put aside that God was comforting Samuel. We agree on that. So no need to go over that point repeatedly. Okay?

I disagree with you about the notion of rejecting His Torah.

I don't read anywhere that Israel asked to be judged by another standard than the Torah. I don't read anywhere they desired something other than the ten commandments and the laws of Moses. What other standard are you saying that they wanted instead of that which was the basis of the Mt. Sinai covenant? God would never give in to that desire, anyway.

I agree with you that Israel is supposed to be not like the other nations. Israel is supposed to be a nation separate unto God - Himself.

.....for it is not you whom they have rejected, but it is Me whom they have rejected from reigning over them.

"reigning" seems to me something that a king does. And when it says "Me", that seems to me to be God Himself - as king reigning over them.

Peace,

Doug L.