Moses gave the law to the children of Israel, but before Samuel came they did not have a set of bylaws, a constitution. Samuel taught the people the bylaws, the constitution, the practice, the customs, the manners, the ordinances, and the rules of how to practice the kingdom of God on earth.

Saul was made king by the casting of lots (vv. 20-23a) to prove that he was chosen by God. Cf. note Josh. 14:2^1a.

Some MSS read, to Him.

Or, Gibeah.

Or, Gibeah-haelohim.

Lit., Has not Jehovah anointed…? God’s purpose in anointing Saul to be king was to discipline, to train, the children of Israel by means of a negative king, so that they would learn that replacing God with a king was not a matter of blessing (v. 19; 12:17, 19).