What the previous chapter alludes to comes to fruition in 1 Samuel 10; Saul is anointed by Samuel to be king over Israel. The significance of the anointing is that Saul will be more than a judge, for he will also reign and that reign will be focused on saving Israel. These last two points are roles that God had filled in the past.
Samuel anoints Saul and then tells him that he shall know the truth of his anointing by three signs that will be shown to him. The first two signs take place around sacred sites for Israel: the tomb of Rachel, wife of Jacob (Israel) and the town of Bethel, which means House of God, the location of Jacob's famous ladder dream. The final sign was Saul's own ecstatic experience with a group of wondering prophets.
While we are not directly, it would seem that all the signs came true. Saul heads home with the gift of another heart, which would most likely mean a new purpose, and informs his uncle of the exchange with Samuel, well everything but the minor issue of Saul being named king. Saul seems to be rather ill at ease with this news. When Samuel gathers all of Israel to proclaim the new king, by lot that is, Saul is hiding with the baggage. Samuel finds him and proclaims him king.
The chapter ends with a recap of the present situation facing Israel, the tribes east of the Jordan have been oppressed by the Ammonites. This shall be Saul's first challenge.
A small enclave of Israelites still exist who have not fallen to the Ammonites, but King Nahash now makes a movement against them. They stall and send notice out to Israel and when Saul hears of it, the Spirit rushes upon him, which is the same language used to describe how many of the Judges were empowered by God, and he calls all of Israel out to do battle against the Ammonites. 1 Samuel 11 tells of this victory, and how the doubters now understand that Saul has been rightly selected for the office of King.
Samuel leads the people to Gilgal, where they once again renew the bonds of kingship between Saul and Israel.
Psalm 46-47
Psalms 46 and 47 are hymns of praise to God for God's work. The first witnesses to God tireless defense of Israel. Though turmoil might rage all about them, Israel has no fear for the Lord is present with them and by a mere word will rescue them. God brings peace and tranquility to the world that frequently seems tossed about by storms. This sentiment went into the writing of the hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" by Martin Luther. This statement does not mean that the City of God is armed, fortified and will never be defeated, instead it means that God wills to be present in the midst of God's children.
The second psalm speaks more to God's reign over the entire world. Israel witness to God, who reigns over all nations and the world is called to sing praises of God. It would seem some event in the world lead to the image of God as king over all, and this psalm is much like a coronation statement.
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