17 Then Shemuel summoned the people to come before Yahweh at Mitspah, 18 and he told them, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘I myself brought Israel out of Egypt. I rescued you from Egyptian control, and from all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ 19 But since then, you all have rejected your God—the one who saves you from all your calamities and distresses. And you’ve all said to him, ‘We’d rather have a king over us.’ So station yourselves now in front of Yahweh by your tribes and clans.”

20 Then Shemuel had all the Israeli tribes approach, and the tribe of Benyamin was selected. 21 Then he had all the Benyamite clans approach, and the Matri clan was selected. Then Kish’s son, Sha’ul was selected and they tried to find him, but they couldn’t find him anywhere 22 so they asked Yahweh again, “Is that man around here anywhere?”

“Look, he’s hiding among the supplies,” Yahweh replied.

23 So they ran and got him from there, and when he took his place among the people, he was head and shoulders taller than anyone else. 24 Then Shemuel announced to everyone, “Can you see the one that Yahweh has chosen? Certainly there’s no one else like him among all the people.”

All the people saw that and responded, “Long live the king.”

25 Then Shemuel explained how the kingship would work, and wrote it in a book and placed it in front of Yahweh. Then he sent everyone home. 26 Shemuel also went home to Gibeah, accompanied by some of the powerful warriors whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some worthless men asked, “How can that one save us?” and they despised Sha’ul and didn’t bring him any gifts, but he made no comment.