but you have this day rejected your God, who himself saves you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said to him, [No], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes, and by your thousands.
However, Saul may also have been wisely reluctant to assume the role and responsibilities of Israel’s king. The Lord had chosen Saul (1 Samuel 10:24) because He wanted him to be His instrument. Saul had the potential of becoming a great king of Israel. Consequently, Samuel commended him, and most of the people supported him (1 Samuel 10:24; 1 Samuel 10:27). They cried, "Long live the king!"