So Samuel told him everything. He did not hold back anything from him. Eli said, “The Lord will do what he pleases.”

Too bad for us! Who can deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all sorts of plagues in the desert!

When Eli heard the outcry, he said, “What is this commotion?” The man quickly came and told Eli.

The Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the temple of Dagon, where they positioned it beside Dagon.

When the residents of Ashdod got up early the next day, Dagon was lying on the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set him back in his place.

The Lord attacked the residents of Ashdod severely, bringing devastation on them. He struck the people of both Ashdod and the surrounding area with sores.

They put the ark of the Lord on the cart, along with the chest, the gold mice, and the images of the sores.

So they sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath Jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Come down here and take it back home with you.”

Then the men of Israel left Mizpah and chased the Philistines, striking them down all the way to an area below Beth Car.

Then he would return to Ramah, because his home was there. He also judged Israel there and built an altar to the Lord there.

He said, “Here are the policies of the king who will rule over you: He will conscript your sons and put them in his chariot forces and in his cavalry; they will run in front of his chariot.

When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said, “Here is the man that I told you about! He will rule over my people.”

As Saul approached Samuel in the middle of the gate, he said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”

Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the room and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited. There were about thirty people present.

Samuel said to the cook, “Give me the portion of meat that I gave to you – the one I asked you to keep with you.”

Then Samuel took a small container of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head. Samuel kissed him and said, “The Lord has chosen you to lead his people Israel! You will rule over the Lord’s people and you will deliver them from the power of the enemies who surround them. This will be your sign that the Lord has chosen you as leader over his inheritance.

Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” Saul replied, “To look for the donkeys. But when we realized they were lost, we went to Samuel.”

Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of Matri was chosen by lot. At last Saul son of Kish was chosen by lot. But when they looked for him, he was nowhere to be found.

When the messengers went to Gibeah (where Saul lived) and informed the people of these matters, all the people wept loudly.

Now take your positions, so I may confront you before the Lord regarding all the Lord’s just actions toward you and your ancestors.