The history written in the Bible is true and infallible. Moreover it reflects the viewpoints and interpretations of the historians who have written the history of the Old Testament. Therefore, their thoughts and beliefs as well as true facts shall be found through a discreet investigation of the Old Testament history. It is sure that there were various viewpoints or worldviews in the ancient Israel. It is also sure that their surrounding countries had strong influence upon Israelite culture. Nevertheless, the ancient Israelite thoughts and customs written in the Old Testament can be said to be unique in the ancient Near East and to be protected from the menace of assimilation with heathen cultures due to their own efforts and God's help.
Especially, the Israelite kingship is the very theme which shows well the uniqueness of their thoughts and customs, because monarchism was a key element of the ancient Israelite society as well as the ancient Near Eastern societies. Therefore, the understanding of the Israelite kingship is the best way for the comprehension of the ancient Israelite belief and its uniqueness.
In the ancient Near East, the supreme authority was associated solely with the king. But in Israel, nowhere is it said that the king defined functions or installs officials. It is sure of Israelite king to have appointed state officials, but he did only within the limit of God's law. Dt. 17:14-20 shows that he had actually only two functions: administration(even though not mentioned) and the exemplary reading of the Torah. This Israelite kingship are very special in the ancient Near Eastern environment. People originally requested a king "like all the nations"(I Sam. 8:20). It is also true that Israelite monarchy was under the influence of "all the nations". But the kings of Israel tried to rule over his people in the heathen manner of kingship. Yet the Old Testament shows that Israel have succeeded to preserve the ideal of kingship which God gave to them.