Overview of 1 Samuel 8:1–15:35

The closing paragraph of 1 Samuel 7 might suggest that Samuel’s role is now complete, but this is not the case. In this division of the book Samuel is instrumental in the appointment of Saul as the first king of Israel (chs. 9–10). Indeed, he will also anoint David to be the second king of Israel (16:1–13). Thus Samuel’s presence provides continuity as Israel transitions to a new form of leadership.

These chapters contain two related blocks of material. Chapters 8–12 focus on how Saul becomes king. Some scholars attempt to distinguish between material that is favorable toward the monarchy (9:1–10:16; 11:1–15) and that which is anti-monarchical (8:1–22; 10:17–27; 12:1–25). By supposing the former to be written earlier than the latter, it is possible to elaborate various theories regarding the composition of the text. However, the differences between these passages have probably been overemphasized. Both relate the same origin of kingship in Israel: by divine selection of Saul, involving the consent and recognition of the people. Moreover, from the very start there were probably divergent opinions as to the constitutional change embodied in the rise of the monarchy. Overall, what is significant here is that Samuel’s negative stance, in which he warns that kingship could lead to apostasy, is allowed to have the first and last word.

In chapter 8 the move toward installing a king appears not by divine initiative but through a request from the elders of Israel. Even though Samuel warns them that looking for a king “like all the nations” (8:5) is sinful, they persist in their request, and God instructs Samuel to give them what they have asked for (8:7, 9, 22). Saul, the individual chosen to be king, seems to check all the boxes as far as humanly observable criteria are concerned (9:2; 10:24), and his elevation to kingship takes place in three distinct stages. First he is privately anointed by Samuel (9:1–10:16); later he is chosen in public by lot (10:17–27); finally, after victory over the Ammonites (11:1–11), his status is confirmed by public acclamation (11:12–15). (A similar multistage appointment occurs later in the rise of David.) Samuel, however, continues his criticism of the change that has taken place (ch. 12).

The second block of material (chs. 13–15) relates how Saul fails to live up to the Lord’s requirements for Israel’s king. Details are given of two of Saul’s military campaigns. Although he is victorious in both, what becomes evident is his deficient understanding of his responsibilities as covenant king. He could have worked within the framework provided for him, but he chooses not to. Before the battle of Michmash (chs. 13–14), Saul acts in defiance of the instructions given to him, and Samuel announces that his kingdom will not continue (13:14). Later, after Saul’s willful misconduct in the war against the Amalekites, God’s rejection of him as king is confirmed (15:23).