1 Samuel 10:17–24

“We Want a King!”

^17–18Samuel called the people to assemble before God at Mizpah. He addressed the children of Israel, “This is God’s personal message to you:

^18–19“I brought Israel up out of Egypt. I delivered you from Egyptian oppression—yes, from all the bullying governments that made your life miserable. And now you want nothing to do with your God, the very God who has a history of getting you out of troubles of all sorts.

“And now you say, ‘No! We want a king; give us a king!’

“Well, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get! Present yourselves formally before God, ranked in tribes and families.”

^20–21After Samuel got all the tribes of Israel lined up, the Ben-jamin tribe was picked. Then he lined up the Ben-jamin tribe in family groups, and the family of Matri was picked. The family of Matri took its place in the lineup, and the name Saul, son of Kish, was picked. But when they went looking for him, he was nowhere to be found.

²²Samuel went back to God: “Is he anywhere around?”

God said, “Yes, he’s right over there—hidden in that pile of baggage.”

²³They ran and got him. He took his place before everyone, standing tall—head and shoulders above them.

²⁴Samuel then addressed the people, “Take a good look at whom God has chosen: the best! No one like him in the whole country!”

Then a great shout went up from the people: “Long live the king!”