When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one. (1 Samuel 11:6, 7 NIV)

Saul is the next King, and he’s already ruling by terror. The Lord warned the Israelites about wanting a King, and it appears He was right.

These four chapters are mainly about the Lord telling Samuel to choose Saul, and about yet another massacre of Israel’s enemies. Of course, these enemies deserved it this time, since they would only accept a surrender if they could pluck out everyone’s right eye.

I’m glad I live in the US in the twenty-first century.

Next: 1 Samuel 13-14.