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How did Samuel learn that Saul had been chosen to rule Israel?

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According to the biblical accounts, there are two primary traditions regarding how Samuel identified Saul as the future king of Israel:

Divine Revelation: In the "pro-monarchic" tradition, Samuel, acting as a seer, received direct notice from Yahweh that Saul was the man chosen to reign over Israel. This occurred the day before Saul arrived at Ramah to search for his father’s lost donkeys. Following this revelation, Samuel anointed Saul as prince in a secret ceremony.12
Selection by Lot: In the "anti-monarchic" tradition, the process was public rather than private. Saul was chosen by lot at Mizpah to be the king of Israel. In this account, Saul was initially reluctant and had to be summoned from a hiding place to accept his new role.12

These conflicting narratives reflect the complex historical and literary traditions surrounding the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.2