One moment that depicts God’s relationship with Israel is when he allows them a king. After much pleading and a warning from God, the Israelites convince God to allow them a king. I think this tells us a couple things about both God and human nature. This glimpse into the Israelites history shows us that God is both merciful and allows for the free will of humans. Although he knew a king would not be best for the Israelites, he still granted them one because they were so convinced that they wanted one. It also shows that human nature is stubborn. Stubbornness is a common theme we see throughout the story of God’s people as they continually demand and lament different things, but it is very evident here. They were so certain a king would be beneficial (because the other nations had one) that they refused to listen to God and the plan he had for them.
Another instance where we see God interceding on the behalf of Israel is when they are faced by the Philistines and Goliath. Instead of abandoning his people, God sends David to fight the formidable Goliath. By doing this we see that God will not leave his people and that, even when his people don’t always listen to him, he is there to protect and guide.
John Seida 
I can see why you think of David and Goliath as an example of God’s protection, and it is true that God can be loving to His people. As for the previous example, I think that even though God shows His kinder side by relenting in giving the people a king, He also sends thunderstorms as punishment for refusing to listen to Him (which you mentioned).
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If God gives David to be king of Israel, but David later grows up to commit terrible sins as king, does that mean God gave the Israelites an imperfect king to make a point about something yet to come?
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