Readers Guide: “The Word for Today” Saturday, October 27, 2012 Read – 1 Samuel 9 & 10 Chapter 8 told us the story of the people’s desire for a king, contrary to God’s wishes. Chapters 9 and 10 tell the story of the anointing of the first king, Saul. And it is a strange story that betrays the weaving together of a couple of versions. Again humor plays a part in the story. Saul is gone so long looking for his father’s donkeys that he becomes the object of the search. The one who will be king is portrayed in a somewhat less than competent light. And in another version, Saul is found hiding amongst the baggage trying desperately to avoid being anointed king. The point of each of these stories is that kingship does not get off to a very good start.