He stayed seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel didn't come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
It is also evident that in the character of David, despite his weakness and sins, there was an invariable purpose of honoring God as the true king of Israel.  He submitted in penitence to the rebuke of Nathan; he acknowledged the justice and lovingkindness of God in all of the shameful punishments heaped upon him as a consequence of his sins.  Even in the rape and incest that fell upon members of his family and in the rebellion of Absalom - in all those `divine punishments,' (and that is what they were), David acknowledged the justice, mercy and lovingkindness of God. In the light of all the facts, any thoughtful person can easily understand why God chose David and rejected Saul.