God and king (see Deut. 17:15). Because of this custom, the king of Israel became known as the “anointed one” (Messiah). Three signs followed the anointing to confirm to Saul that God had indeed chosen him. Saul sought after lost donkeys, but he discovered a kingdom. Samuel anointed Saul again but this time publicly at Mizpah. The people found Saul hiding among the baggage, and they hailed him king. They longed for a king to rival the nations; ironically, they were elated with a shy keeper of donkeys.