Though a monarchical form of government for Israel had been foretold in prophecy, God had reserved to Himself the right to choose their king. The Hebrews so far respected the authority of God as to leave the selection entirely to Him. The choice fell upon Saul, a son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Skønt det var forudsagt i profetierne, at Israel ville blive et kongedømme, forbeholdt Gud sig ret til at udpege Israels konge. Hebræerne viste stadig så megen respekt for Guds myndighed, at de overlod valget fuldstændig til ham. Valget faldt på Saul, en søn af Kisj, af Benjamins stamme.