Why does Hashem ask us to choose Him as King if He is already King?

Rabbi Landau explains with a picture from election season. Before the election, a candidate needs you. He comes to your neighborhood, shakes your hand, and listens to your problems, because he needs your vote in order to serve you.

But some people, he says, forget you as soon as they reach the position, and may even change the rules so they never need your vote again. “Turns out, they never wanted to be leaders. They were here for their power.”

What is fascinating about Hashem, he teaches, is that He is already in power, yet He is the real leader. “He comes down every year and says, ‘I need your vote,’” because Hashem is looking for your willingness to choose Him.

That is the meaning of Elul: המלך בשדה, the King is in the field, waiting for your vote. And Rabbi Landau adds: don’t be a single vote. Bring others with you.

Also answered in this teaching

What does “the King is in the field” mean in Elul?

Rabbi Landau teaches that in Elul Hashem comes close and waits for each person to choose Him, the way a true leader comes to the people for their vote.

Going deeper: Rabbi Landau's teaching, level by level

Surface claim

Rabbi Landau teaches that Hashem, though already King, asks every year for our vote.

Fear, vulnerability, or tension

People know leaders who come close before an election and forget them once they have power.

Underlying need or longing

A real leader wants to serve and wants to be chosen willingly, not just to hold power.

Deepest human truth

Hashem is looking for your willingness to choose Him. The King is in the field, and the choice is yours.