enemies into subjection, they were become unmindful of
his benefits, and rejected God that he should not be their King, as not
considering that it would be most for their advantage to be presided
over by the best of beings, for God is the best of beings, and they
chose to have a man for their king; while kings will use their
subjects as beasts, according to the violence of their own wills and
inclinations, and other passions, as wholly carried away with the lust
of power, but will not endeavor so to preserve the race of mankind as
his own workmanship and creation, which, for that very reason, God would
take cake of. "But since you have come to a fixed resolution, and
this injurious treatment of God has quite prevailed over you, dispose
yourselves by your tribes and scepters, and cast lots."

5. When the Hebrews had so done, the lot fell upon the tribe of
Benjamin; and when the lot was cast for the families of this tribe,
that which was called Matri was taken; and when the lot was cast for
the single persons of that family, Saul, the son of Kish, was taken for
their king. When the young man knew this, he prevented [their sending
for him], and immediately went away and hid himself. I suppose that
it was because he would not have it thought that he willingly took
the government upon him; nay, he showed such a degree of command over
himself, and of modesty, that while the greatest part are not able
to contain their joy, even in the gaining of small advantages, but
presently show themselves publicly to all men, this man did not only
show nothing of that nature, when he was appointed to be the lord of so
many and so great tribes, but crept away and concealed himself out of
the sight of those he was to reign over, and made them seek him, and
that with a good deal of trouble. So when the people were at a loss, and
solicitous, because Saul disappeared, the prophet besought God to show
where the young man was, and to produce him before them. So when they
had learned of God the place where Saul was hidden, they sent men
to bring him; and when he was come, they set him in the midst of the
multitude. Now he was taller than any of them, and his stature was very
majestic.

6. Then said the prophet, "God gives you this man to be your king: see
how he is higher than any of the people, and worthy of this dominion."
So as soon as the people had made acclamation, God save the king, the
prophet wrote down what would come to pass in a book,