Saul has been declared the king , but it is not in his heart or in the heart of the people...until the crisis comes. Saul was out plowing with his oxen when the weeping messengers come to Gibeah to report how the Ammonites promised to gouge out the right eye of every citizen of Jabesh Gilead. Immediately, the Spirit of God came on Saul and a righteous indignation rose up in him that caused all of Israel and Judah to answer his call to arms. They went out to battle the Ammonites and Israel's success was so great that, 'The people then said to Samuel, "Who was it that asked, 'Shall Saul reign over us?' Bring these men to us and we will put them to death."
But Saul said, "No one shall be put to death today, for this day the LORD has rescued Israel."
Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, let us go to Gilgal and there reaffirm the kingship." So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration.'- 1 Sam. 11:12-15 NIV
The Israelites now have their king, one who is not afraid to go up against their enemies and fight. But the hearts of the people are already turning toward Saul and his armies and away from the Lord God. Samuel gives them one final warning that if they serve the Lord they will prosper and if they do not, 'both you and your king will be swept away.''
'Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years.' - 1 Sam 13:1 NIV But those years were not exactly what the Israelites were hoping for. As Samuel had warned, they paid a price for their king. 'All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service.' - 1 Sam. 14:52 NIV
Allegiance to any king results in continual battles and giving up the best.
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