In chapter 8 of I Samuel the people and the leaders of Israel come to Samuel and request a King to rule over them. Samuel doesn't like this request. God doesn't seem to like it either. And yet, God tells Samuel to obey the voice of his people and give them a King. 

And so, the monarchy begins in this ambiguous and enigmatic way.

Maybe this chapter is about something else bigger altogether? 

Maybe this is yet another story that God keeps telling us over and over again all through the Old Testament.