John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. And Samuel said unto all Israel , etc.] When assembled at Gilgal, after they had recognized Saul as their king, and he was established in the kingdom, and while in the midst of their mirth and joy: behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye have said unto me ; respecting the affair of a king, to which it must be limited, as appears by what follows; otherwise it is possible, in some things they might apply to him about, he did not think fit to hearken to them, and grant their request, or speak for them: and have made a king over you ; that is, had by the direction and appointment of God chosen one by lot, anointed and declared him king; for it was the Lord alone, that, properly speaking, made him a king.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Samuel not only cleared his own character, but set an example befor Saul, while he showed the people their ingratitude to God and to himself. There is a just debt which all men to their own good name especially men in public stations, which is, to guard it against unjus blame and suspicions, that they may finish their course with honour, a well as with joy. And that we have in our places lived honestly, wil be our comfort, under any slights and contempt that may be put upon us.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 שׁמואל8050 אל413 כל3605 ישׂראל3478 הנה2009 שׁמעתי8085 בקלכם6963 לכל3605 אשׁר834 אמרתם559 לי ואמליך4427 עליכם5921 מלך׃4428
