... a complex literary challenge2, as the rise of the monarchy in is accounted for in five differing pericopes (chap.8; 9.1-10.16; 10.17-27; 11; 12), all of which contain contradictory information, both in events and attitudes to the monarchy itself.3 Two of the pericopes (chapters 8 & 12) talk about kingship in general with no reference to Saul, whilst the other three (9.1-10.16; 10.17-27; 11) outline his election to the kingship. Although two or possible three of the pericopes present the monarchy in a favourable light the Deuteronomistic editors change this impression by framing the pericopes with chapters 8 and 12 which through the speech and attitude of the Prophet Samuel reflect their negative opinion of the monarchy.4 Saul's enthronement according to the biblical texts could be interpreted in many differing ways. It was a popular choice in that the elders request Samuel for a king in both chapter 8 and 10.17-27, ...

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