The Sunday News
Witness Dingani
Question:
Analyse the reasons that led to the emergence of monarchy in Israel. Explain why some leaders are more popular than others. (25)
COMMENT OVERVIEW
THE above question requires one to have deep knowledge concerning the factors which led to the emergence of monarchy, it should not be ignored that monarchy emerged during the days of Samuel the prophet, before the monarchy there was theocratic type of government. Theocratic government refers to the government which is ruled by God. The question further requires one to explain why some leaders are more popular than others. Focusing in Zimbabwean context, it should be noted that leaders can be grouped into the following groups.
(a) Political leaders
(b) Religious leaders
(c) Social leaders
SUGGESTED ANSWERS
-Poor leadership qualities from the sons of Samuel led to the emergency of monarchy. The two sons of Samuel “Abijah and Joel” lacked good leadership qualities, instead of monitoring that there was fairness in the society, they opted to collect bribes and perverting justice, this is recorded in 1st Samuel 8: 2-3, “The name of his first-born son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba.Yet his sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice”. This has been further supported by scholars like Dr Constable in his 1st Samuel notes, page 44 where he noted that “Joel and Abijah disqualified themselves from leadership in Israel by disobeying the law”. Therefore, this indicates the reason why there was emergence of the monarchy in Israel.
NB: More points can be added. These include (a)Absenteism of a leader in battles (1st Samuel 8: 20), (b) The old age of Samuel. (1st Samuel 8: 4)
WHY SOME LEADERS ARE POPULAR THAN OTHERS.
-Focusing in Zimbabwean context, especially the religious leaders. The number of religious leaders are popular because of their deeds. For instance the man of cloth W Magaya, many people have been harping about the actions of the leader of PHD ministries, in most cases his deeds which have been praised by people is the famous campaign which he conducted recently in the city of Harare. Number of streets were cleaned up, this was even recorded by the national TV “ZBC” on 2 July 2017 as it broadcasted the vendors and kombi drivers thanking the man of cloth for his actions. All this shows the reason why Magaya is more popular.
-Furthermore, W Magaya is also believed to have been sponsoring the men soccer team “Warriors”. During the 2017 Afcon qualification campaign the prophet hosted the team in his hotel for almost a week.Considering the view that they are more soccer fans in Zimbabwe, most of the fans greatly thanked the prophet as he motivated the team which was able to defeat the opponents. The sponsorship invited the media crew to glamorise the name of prophet “Magaya”. For instance, Sunday News and Chronicle newspaper headlined the story. All this showing why Magaya is more popular.
More reasons why religious leaders are popular can be added. This includes Miracles (Paul Sangangore, Ezekiel Guti, Emmanuel Makandiwa, Blessing Chiza).
— Financial stable ( Uebert Angel)
— Being involved in philanthropological activities. (Emmanuel Makandiwa, Walter Magaya.)
WHY SOME LEADERS ARE NOT POPULAR THAN OTHERS
Some religious leaders are not popular than others.The reason being that:
— They are not financial stable.
— Media doesn’t reach them.
— Some leaders are immoral.
— Some leaders don’t meet the expectations of people.
— They are against the media.
MORE REASONS WHY SOME OTHER POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LEADERS ARE POPULAR CAN BE INCLUDED.
-Witness Dingani is an author, motivational speaker, columnist, youth coach, public speaker, radio host, cricketer, member of Chain Support Foundation Counselling Company. He is the founder of charity organisation “Dingani Charity Organisation”. In 2016 he was voted as the most influential youthful figures in Zimbabwe and being voted on the 8th position out of 15 people by the Pan-Zimbabwe society. A-level Divinity Questions by schools can be submitted through his mobile number +263777896159 or Email address: [email protected].
