1 Samuel 9:22
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons. And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
All the elders of Israel gathered at Ramah to ask for a king to judge them like all the nations. They used the injustice and bribe-taking of Samuel's sons as a pretext, driven by discontent and pride in a deliberate purpose to set Samuel aside. That demand was a rejection of God reigning over them.
The feast was attended by about thirty principal men of the city. At that feast Samuel gave Saul the place of honor among the guests who were bidden and had the choicest portion served to him. This public honoring marked Saul out as distinct and anticipated his coming position as Israel's ruler. The honor prepared Saul for leadership before Samuel spoke with him afterward at home about the principles of Israel's government.