Part 1: A New Era in Israel

After the time of Joshua and the conquest of Jericho, the people of Israel settled in the Promised Land. The prophet and judge Samuel became their leader, guiding them in the ways of the Lord. As Samuel grew older, the Israelites started to worry about their future. They wanted a king to lead them, just like other nations.

Part 2: The Israelites Ask for a King

1 Samuel 8

Although Samuel was sad about their request, he talked to God about it. God told Samuel to listen to the people, but also to warn them about the problems a king might bring. God comforted Samuel, telling him that the people's request was not a rejection of Samuel, but a rejection of God as their King.

Part 3: Meeting Saul, a Young Man from the Tribe of Benjamin

1 Samuel 9

Saul was a tall and good-looking young man from the tribe of Benjamin. One day, he was out looking for his father's lost donkeys when he met Samuel. God had already revealed to Samuel that he would meet the future king of Israel that day. As soon as Samuel saw Saul, he knew that this was the man God had chosen to be Israel's first king.

Part 4: Saul Becomes Israel's First King

1 Samuel 10

Samuel secretly anointed Saul with oil, signifying that he would be king. He told Saul about signs that would happen to confirm God's choice. As Saul returned home, everything happened just as Samuel had said. Later, Samuel gathered the people of Israel to announce their new king. When Saul was presented to them, the people shouted, "Long live the king!"

The story of Saul's rise to power marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history. It teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it might be different from what we expect.