Present Yourselves Before the Lord

At last Israel receives what they had asked for—a king like all the nations. God delivers on their request, but Saul's public proclamation as king is not your typical coronation. An ominous tone hangs over the whole affair, as Samuel rehearses God's gracious acts, and Israel's rejection of Yahweh their King (18-19). Nevertheless, Israel remains the Lord's heritage (v1), and it is his unfailing love that encourages us to submit to his lordship and walk in the obedience that springs from a transformed heart.