Israel desired a king to be like the nations around them, to go out before them and fight their battles, and God tells Samuel to obey their request.
By contrast, in Isaiah we see the inspirational word picture of the future, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’“. Rather than a time of war, it is a time of peace. Rather than a king ruling, it is God that reigns.
This future is certain. God will comfort His people. He will redeem Jerusalem. The whole earth will see the salvation of our God. We can be part of that future, provided we endure the difficulties of life today, realising that God is always by our side, “The Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”