While the people in general were ready to acknowledge Saul as their king, there was a large party in opposition. For a monarch to be chosen from Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes of Israel--and that to the neglect of both Judah and Ephraim, the largest and most powerful--was a slight which they could not brook. They refused to profess allegiance to Saul or to bring 612 him the customary presents. Those who had been most urgent in their demand for a king were the very ones that refused to accept with gratitude the man of God's appointment. The members of each faction had their favorite, whom they wished to see placed on the throne, and several among the leaders had desired the honor for themselves. Envy and jealousy burned in the hearts of many. The efforts of pride and ambition had resulted in disappointment and discontent.

Skønt folket som helhed anerkendte Saul som konge, var der en stor gruppe som var imod hans udvælgelse. De fandt, at det var en hån imod dem, at kongen skulle være af Benjamins stamme, som var den mindste stamme i Israel, mens både Juda og Efraim, som var de største og stærkeste stammer, blev forbigået. De ville ikke love Saul troskab og nægtede at bringe ham den sædvanlige hyldingsgave. Det var de mennesker, der havde været mest ivrige efter at få en konge, som nu nægtede at anerkende den mand, som Gud havde valgt. Hvert parti havde sin kandidat, som de gerne så bestige tronen, og adskillige af folkets ledere ønskede selv at blive konge. Mange var opfyldt af misundelse og skinsyge. Deres motiver var stolthed og ærgerrighed, og nu blev de skuffede og misfornøjede.