Although Saul had been victorious over the Ammonites and appeared to be an attractive, humble person, Samuel’s reminder to Israel (1 Sam. 11:14-15; 12:1-25) indicates that according to Samuel’s realization the nation of Israel was still not the kingdom of God on earth. Rather, it was Saul’s personal monarchy. The kingdom of God came first under David, when God’s throne was established in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 7:12-16; cf. Matt. 21:43).