He gathered all the people before the Lord at Mizpah. He told them, "The Lord, the God of Israel, says this." "I brought Israel out of Egypt." "I delivered you from Egypt." "I have rescued you from all the kingdoms that oppressed you."

"You have rejected the God who saved you from all your troubles and distresses." "You have said, Appoint a king over us." "Therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans." "Arrange yourselves in order." "Remove the wheels of your chariots."

He brought forward all the tribes of Israel. They cast lots. The lot fell on the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin was brought forward clan by clan. The lot fell on Saul, son of Kish.

Saul was not found. The people asked, "Has Saul come here?" The Lord answered, "Yes." The Lord said, "He has hidden himself among the supplies." Saul had hidden himself among the baggage.

The people ran and brought him out. He stood among them, taller than anyone else. The people were all of average height. Saul was a very short man. The king’s feet were bound.

"Look at the one the Lord has chosen!" "Is there anyone like him among all the people?" The people cheered in agreement. They shouted, "Long live the king!" The people stood in silence and agreed.

Samuel explained the rights and duties of kingship. Samuel wrote them in a book. He placed the book before the Lord. He sent everyone back to their homes. Saul also returned to his home in Gibeah.

Some troublemakers refused to accept him. They said, "How can this man save us?" They did not bring him any gifts. Saul remained silent about it. They planned to rebel against Saul.

The Ammonite king, Nahash, besieged Jabesh-Gilead. The name of the Ammonite king was Nahash. The Ammonites were tall and powerful. Jabesh-Gilead was in distress. The Ammonites had a powerful army.

The Israelites’ right eye would be gouged out. The Israelites would be humiliated. The people of Jabesh-Gilead negotiated with Nahash. They asked for seven days to find a rescuer. They placed seven lamps before Nahash.

"We will send messengers throughout Israel." "If no one rescues us, we will surrender." "If no one rescues us, we will submit to you." "We will offer Nahash a peace gift." "We will give him two camels as a gift."

They reported what Nahash had said. The people wept aloud. Nahash wanted to gouge out their right eye. They expressed their willingness to surrender. They wished to offer Nahash a peace gift.

He was driving cattle. He asked, "What happened? Why are you crying?" He listened to the people of Jabesh-Gilead. The Spirit of God came upon him powerfully. He calmly accepted the news.

His anger burned greatly. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them throughout Israel. He declared, "Whoever does not follow Saul and Samuel, this will be done to their oxen." The fear of the Lord came upon the people. The people united as one.

300,000 Israelites. 30,000 from Judah. The messengers told Jabesh-Gilead that help was coming the next day. The people of Jabesh-Gilead received the message. The people of Jabesh-Gilead told Nahash, "Tomorrow we will surrender to you."