Even though Israel had received a physically impressive king like the nations, that king was still under the Lord and he had to rule in accord with the Lord’s dictates.1 The rules and regulations for kingship described how Israel’s king was meant to behave. Heard by Saul and the people, the role of the king was defined for Saul’s benefit and for the benefit of the people. Legal agreements between the king and the people are thus announced and sealed.2 It is likely that the regulations would have been similar to those previously mentioned in Deuteronomy 17:14–20, making it clear that the king of Israel must submit to the law of the Lord, serving him as his vice-regent.3 These rules were thus also an important limit on the king’s power.4
25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the LORD. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.