14. Saul’s uncle asked Saul and his servant, “Where have you been?” Saul said, “We were looking for the donkeys. When we couldn’t find them, we went to see Samuel.”
15. Saul’s uncle said, “Please tell me, what did Samuel say to you?”
16. Saul answered, “Samuel told us the donkeys were already found.” He did not tell his uncle everything. Saul did not tell him what Samuel said about the kingdom.
17. Samuel told all the Israelites to meet together with the Lord at Mizpah.
18. Samuel told the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of Israel says, ‘I led Israel out of Egypt. I saved you from Egypt’s control and from the other kingdoms that tried to hurt you.’
19. But today you have rejected your God. Your God saves you from all your troubles and problems. But you said, ‘No, we want a king to rule us.’ Now come, stand before the Lord in your family groups and tribes.”
20. Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near. Then Samuel began to choose the new king. First, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen.
21. Samuel told each family in the tribe of Benjamin to pass by. Matri’s family was chosen. Then Samuel told each man in Matri’s family to walk by. Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when the people looked for Saul, they could not find him.
22. Then they asked the Lord, “Has Saul come here yet?” The Lord said, “Saul is hiding behind the supplies.”
23. The people ran and took Saul out from behind the supplies. Saul stood up among the people. He was a head taller than anyone else.