²⁷ But some scoundrels^(A) said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts.^(B) But Saul kept silent.

⁷ He took a pair of oxen,^(A) cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel,^(B) proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone^(C) who does not follow Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one.^(D)

Saul Confirmed as King

¹² The people then said to Samuel, “Who^(A) was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.”

¹³ But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today,^(B) for this day the Lord has rescued^(C) Israel.”

¹⁴ Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal^(D) and there renew the kingship.^(E)” ¹⁵ So all the people went to Gilgal^(F) and made Saul king^(G) in the presence of the Lord. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration.