Samuel Chooses Saul as King

There was a man named Saul who was very tall—taller than everyone else! He was the son of a man named Kish.

One day, Saul's dad's donkeys ran away. Saul and his servant went looking for them. They looked everywhere but couldn't find them. Finally, Saul's servant said, 'There's a prophet named Samuel in the next town. Maybe he can help us!'

What Saul didn't know was that God had already told Samuel, 'Tomorrow, I'm sending you a man from Benjamin. Anoint him to be the king!'

When Saul met Samuel, Samuel said, 'Don't worry about your donkeys—they've been found! Come have dinner with me. You are very special!'

Saul was confused. 'But I'm from the smallest tribe in Israel! Why are you being so nice to me?'

The next morning, Samuel took out a special flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head. 'God has chosen YOU to be the king of Israel!' Samuel said. 'The Spirit of God will come on you, and you'll be changed!'

Samuel told Saul some signs that would happen, and they ALL came true! When Saul met some prophets, God's Spirit came on him, and he started prophesying too! People were amazed.

Later, Samuel called all the people together to choose the king officially. They used a special way of choosing, and it picked Saul! But when they looked for him, they couldn't find him. 'Where is he?' they asked.

God said, 'He's hiding behind the supplies!'

They found Saul hiding! When he stood up, he was taller than everyone. Samuel said, 'Here is the man God has chosen to be your king!'

All the people shouted, 'Long live the king!'

Saul started out humble and good. God gave him everything he needed to be a great king. But would Saul keep obeying God? Time would tell!