The Lord’s inheritance refers not only to the land of Canaan, but also to the people of Israel. They inhabit his land and belong to him in a unique sense that separates them from other nations (see Deuteronomy 4:20; Deuteronomy 9:26; Deuteronomy 32:8–9; Psalm 78:70–71).1 Saul is appointed to rule over the Lord’s estate as his vice-regent. He will be a king under God.
1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the LORD and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the LORD has anointed you to be prince over his heritage.