15. — they made Saul king] The mode in which Saul was made king is peculiarly remarkable; the people retained such reverence for their God, and such confidence in their Prophet, that they did not attempt to elect a king themselves, but waited for the Divine appointment. In this appointment, care was taken to preserve in its full force the Divine government originally established over the Jews. A king was elected by the express declaration of the Divine oracle, raised from an obscure family, chap. ix. 21, so that he himself, Samuel testifieth his integrity. CHAP. XII. He reproveeth the people of ingratitude. Before CHRIST 1005. # CHAP. XII. 18. — feared the Lord and Samuel.] They feared lest God should destroy them for their presumption, and lest Samuel should not intercede for them, on account of the affront they had put upon him by asking a king. Dr. Wells.