Saul Becomes King

Samuel has grown old, and his sons, who are judges at Beersheba, let themselves be corrupted. The elders of Israel come to Ramah and demand “a king to judge us like all the nations.” Samuel is displeased, but the LORD tells him, “they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me.” Samuel warns them: a king will take their sons, their daughters, and their fields. The people insist. Now Saul, a Benjamite who stands head and shoulders above everyone else, is looking for the lost donkeys of his father Kish. His servant suggests they consult the seer: it is Samuel, who was told by God the day before. Samuel honors him at a meal and then pours a vial of oil on his head. The announced signs come to pass: God gives Saul another heart, and he prophesies. At Mizpah, Saul is picked out from among all the tribes; he is found hiding among the baggage. The people shout, “Long live the king!”