At the religious festival which followed there were about thirty guests, yet Saul was given the place of honor and was served with the choicest food. When the feast was over, Sam'u-el took Saul and the servant to his own home to be guests for the night. Out on the flat roof of the building, with no other light than that of the stars, the prophet told the young man that he was to be appointed king of Is'ra-el. The next morning they arose early, and Sam'u-el journeyed with Saul and his servant toward the gates of the town.
When they reached the border of Ra'mah, Sam'u-el directed the servant to leave him alone with Saul. He then took a vial of the oil used in anointing the priests of God, and poured it on the head of young Saul; he also kissed him as a sign of homage to the new king. Sam'u-el then directed the course for Saul's homeward journey, telling him of certain things that would happen as signs of his Divine selection for the office of king.
Seven days after the private anointing of Saul, Samu-el ordered all Is'ra-el to gather at Miz-peh to cast lots for the choice of a king. Prayer was made to God that His choice be revealed through this method commonly used in Is'ra-el for deciding such matters. Slips of paper representing each tribe were placed in a vessel, and one was drawn out. The lot fell to the tribe of Ben'ja-min. Then slips of paper on which were written all the families of Ben'ja-min were placed in the vessel; this lot fell to the family of Kish. Then the names of the sons of Kish were placed in the vessel, and one was drawn out. It bore the name of Saul. As a result of this election the people felt that Saul had been chosen for the office by the LORD.
When a cry went up that Saul be presented to the people, there was no response. A search was made for him, and he was found among the baggage of the people who had gathered for the solemn occasion-hiding in shyness. He knew from the words of Sam'u-el seven days before that the choice would probably fall to him, and modestly fled from assuming such a responsible position.
Saul was then brought before the people, and they were greatly pleased with his tall, impressive appearance. God had read the mirror of their hearts, and had given them a man after their own desires.
When a cry went up that Saul be presented to the people, there was no response. A search was made for him, and he was found among the baggage of the people who had gathered for the solemn occasion-hiding in shyness. He knew from the words of Sam'u-el seven days before that the choice would probably fall to him, and modestly fled from assuming such a responsible position.
Saul was then brought before the people, and they were greatly pleased with his tall, impressive appearance. God had read the mirror of their hearts, and had given them a man after their own desires.
