1 Samuel 10:17

Samuel called the people together He convoked the national assembly or "congregation of Israel," which had made the request for a king through its representative elders (1 Samuel 8:4). This body was composed of all Israelites of twenty years old and upwards (Numbers 1:3) who had not forfeited their privileges, together with foreigners admitted upon certain conditions. Its political functions were necessarily limited by the nature of the theocracy, and consisted rather in accepting the declared will of Jehovah than in originating measures of its own. Thus:

(1) The Law was solemnly accepted by it (Exodus 19:3-9; Exodus 24:3).

(2) Leaders and kings chosen by divine command were presented to it for approval, as on the present occasion, and in the case of Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23); David (2 Samuel 5:1); Solomon (1 Chronicles 29:22).

(3) In later times some of the kings appear to have been actually elected by it: e.g. Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:20); Joash (2 Kings 11:19); Josiah (2 Kings 21:24); Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:30).

(4) It possessed a national judicial authority (Judges 20:1).

(5) It claimed some voice in questions of alliance and peace and war (Joshua 9:15; Joshua 9:18).

unto theLord to Mizpeh See note on 1 Samuel 10:3; and for Mizpah see note on 1 Samuel 7:5.