7. “When these confirming signs are accomplished, you’ll know that you’re ready: Whatever job you’re given to do, do it. God is with you!
8. “Now, go down to Gilgal and I will follow. I’ll come down and join you in worship by sacrificing burnt offerings and peace offerings. Wait seven days. Then I’ll come and tell you what to do next.”
9. Saul turned and left Samuel. At that very moment God transformed him—made him a new person! And all the confirming signs took place the same day.
20-21. After Samuel got all the tribes of Israel lined up, the Benjamin tribe was picked. Then he lined up the Benjamin tribe in family groups, and the family of Matri was picked. The family of Matri took its place in the lineup, and the name Saul, son of Kish, was picked. But when they went looking for him, he was nowhere to be found.
22. Samuel went back to God: “Is he anywhere around?”God said, “Yes, he’s right over there—hidden in that pile of baggage.”
23. They ran and got him. He took his place before everyone, standing tall—head and shoulders above them.