Theologie
Old Testament criticism of kingship (Judg 8:22–23; 9; I Sam 8; 10:17ff; 2) does not originate in the early Israelite kingdom but after the downfall of the Judean kingdom. The original book of Judges and the narratives of I Sam 8 and 10:17ff demonstrate that Judaism initially regarded kingship as the culmination of its own history. However critical reflection of the traditions of history lead to the realization that kingship is a danger for Israel's existence and stands in the way of the immediate relationship between Yahweh and Israel.