God had chosen Saul to be the first king of Israel. Samuel, in obedience to God anointed him, and the time came to proclaim him the King of Israel. Samuel gathered the people, proclaimed Saul King and Saul returned home.
The Gathering
Samuel called the people together at Mizpah so they could meet before the Lord. As God’s spokesperson, he reminded them again of God’s great deliverance from Egypt, the times He had delivered them from many kingdoms and from their oppressors. Then he told them they had rejected the God who had saved them from their enemies and from their various tribulations by saying they wanted a king. “Therefore, present yourselves to the Lord by your family groupings,” Samuel said.
Proclamation
After all the tribes came near, Samuel chose the tribe of Benjamin. When they came near, he chose the family of Matri and from there the son of Kish, Saul. But they could not find him. They turned to the Lord. “Where is he?” they asked. The Lord then told them the place where Saul was hiding. They ran and brought him out, this man who stood shoulder and above taller than everyone else. “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” asked Samuel. “Long live the King!” they shouted.
Sent Home
Samuel then explained to the people the behaviour of royalty, which he wrote in a book and laid before the Lord. After, he sent them all home. Saul also went home, but not alone. God touched the hearts of several valiant men to accompany him. There were, however, rebels who doubted his capabilities, hated him and refused to bring him presents. But Saul said nothing.
Samuel gathered the people, proclaimed Saul King, and Saul returned home.