As Samuel ages, his corrupt sons Joel and Abijah pervert justice as judges, leading Israel's elders to demand a king "like the other nations." Samuel views this as personal rejection, but God reveals it as primarily rejection of His kingship, though He instructs Samuel to grant their request with solemn warnings about royal taxation and conscription. The narrative then introduces Saul—tall, handsome, and from the small tribe of Benjamin—who encounters Samuel while searching for his father's lost donkeys. God had revealed to Samuel that this visitor would be Israel's first king. After dining together, Samuel privately reveals to Saul his coming royal appointment, though Saul responds with humble self-deprecation. This pivotal transition from judgeship to monarchy demonstrates how God works through flawed human desires while continuing to pursue His redemptive purposes.