In 1 Samuel 10 and 11 Samuel anoints Saul as king of Israel.  Samuel sends him on a journey telling him that God will be with him. Saul does as Samuel commands and during that time the spirit of God is with him. When he and his servant return home they do not mention that Saul has been anointed king.

Samuel confronts the people of Israel with the fact that in wanting a king they are rejecting God. He tells them to present themselves to the Lord by tribe and clan. God calls out Saul but he is hiding. When the people find him he stands head and shoulders above everyone. The people accept Saul as their king. He receives instructions regarding his kingship. Some of the people despise Saul.

The king of the Ammonites has been oppressing the Gadites and Reubenites on the other side of the Jordan by gouging out their right eyes. His armies come to Jabesh-gilead and threaten to do the same thing. The people send messengers to Saul and he becomes angry. Saul gathers an army from among the Israelites and they beat the Ammonites. The people go with Samuel and renew Saul’s kingship. They sacrifice offerings of well-being at Gilgal.

God has promised to be with Saul as long as he is obedient to his word. God is keeping his promise.

Psalm 46 proclaims that God is our refuge in strength no matter what happens to us. Even if the world falls apart God will save us. It contains those beautiful words, “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 47 is a song of praise to God our king. Everyone is gathered together in praise of our exalted God.