And so it came about that from out their number a king was chosen.
Now, there was a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who had a son, named Saul.
Saul was a tall, strong, brave, young man, and of him the Lord said to Samuel, "If the Israelites have a king, let this man Saul be that king."
One day it chanced that the cattle belonging to Kish, Saul's father, strayed away; and Kish said to Saul, "Take a servant with thee and go and seek the cattle that have strayed."
So Saul took a servant, and they searched the country round about, going great distances; still the cattle could not be found.
At last Saul said to the servant, "I am tired with this search. Let us go back and tell my father all we have done."
Then the servant said, "There is a prophet living near this place into which we have come. Let us seek him; for I am told he is most wise. Perhaps he may help us to find our cattle."
"Let us go to him," Saul answered readily; and so the two men came into the city where Samuel dwelt; for it was he they sought.
As they drew near the city, they met two young women coming to a well to draw water.
"Tell me, is the prophet here?" Saul asked.