1 Samuel 11:5

After the herd. Literally, “behind the oxen.” Evidently, Saul had been plowing and was bringing his oxen in for the night. Josephus thinks this was at least a month after his appointment (Antiquities vi. 5.1). Inasmuch as his selection was not pleasing to many, he evidently returned home to await the direction of the prophet who had anointed him.

What would have happened had Nahash besieged Jabesh before Saul was made king? And what was more essential than that the new king have the opportunity of proving his worth before the disgruntled ones who refused to acknowledge him as king? The event and the man each stood in need of the other. We have nothing to fear except as we forget how God has led His people in the past. This experience assures every humble Christian that it is not possible for him to be placed in a position for which God has not already made abundant provision.