1 Samuel 8 is the start of a move into a new section of the book which details the rise (1 Samuel 8:1 – 12:25) and fall (1 Samuel 13:1 – 15:35) of Saul.1 Within this section, 1 Samuel 9:1 – 11:15 functions as a central unit framed by two narratives that provide ideological speculation about the nature and place of kingship (1 Samuel 8:1–22, 1 Samuel 12:1–25).2 Samuel, the last judge, becomes the king-maker even though he does not want to anoint a king.3
1 When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel.