by Tom Brennan, The twelve sons of Jacob became twelve tribes who became a people. After they returned to the Canaan led by Moses, they settled into a sense of nationalism not unlike we have seen in most nations. They were bordered and threatened by kingdoms and empires and sought to assert themselves on a wider stage. The Israelites had been governed by Judges, persons divinely appointed to lead and govern the people under Torah.
http://www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com/israelnews/give-unto-us-a-king-why-israel-need-not-fear-the-coming-elections/
