It was now necessary to give a new direction to the destinies of the people. Samuel's clear intellect disapproved of the radical change; yet his inherent prophetic gift compelled him to accede. The kingdom of Israel was brought forth in pain: it was not the offspring of affection. Therefore it never could find a natural place in the system of Israel's organisation, but was at all times considered by more discerning minds as a foreign element. CHAPTER VI. THE APOGEE. Establishment of a Kingdom--Saul--His Position and Character--His secret Election at Mizpah--Humiliating Condition of the Nation under the Philistines--Declaration of War--Assemblage in Gilgal--Battle of Michmash--Defeat of the Philistines--Severity of Saul--Victory over the Ammonites--Saul's Election as King confirmed--His Court and Attendants--His Officers and Standing Army--Victory over the Amalekites--Disputes between Saul and Samuel--Saul's Attacks on the neighbouring People--War with the Gibeonites--Place of Worship in Gibeon--War against the Philistines in the Valley of Tamarinths--Goliath and David--Meeting of Saul and David--Saul's Jealousy turns into Madness--The Persecution of David--Saul's last Battle against the Philistines--Defeat and Death. 1067-1055 B. C. E. The king who was placed at the head of the people through their own eager insistence, and with the unwilling consent of the prophet proved, more effectually than any objections could do, how little a monarchical constitution was fitted to realise the expectations founded on it; for the king, until his accession a simple and excellent man, with no thoughts of ambition or arbitrary power, did not shrink from cruelty and inhumanity in order to assert his dignity.