In the First Book of Samuel, the people of Israel asked for an earthly king so it could be just like the other nations, a king to fight its battles and lead the people to glory. But, as this Second Book of the Kings makes quite clear, that demand was a mistake. God was their king, and told the people through his prophet, Samuel, about the demands their kings would make upon them, good or evil. As the old saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for." - Summary by Mark Penfold