When the older men of Israel asked Samuel to appoint a king over them who could judge them and lead them in battle, Jehovah directed the prophet to anoint Saul as leader and said: “He must save my people from the hand of the Philistines. ” ​ — 1 Sam. 8: 4 - 7, 20; 9: 16.
Kui rahva vanemad palusid Saamuelil panna iisraellaste etteotsa kuningas, kes neile kohut mõistaks ja neid lahingus juhiks, käskis Jehoova oma prohvetil võida sellesse ametisse Saul ning ütles: „Tema peab mu rahva päästma vilistide käest ”.