1st Samuel 9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.
When the children of Israel asked for a king, they let outward appearance, in all of its varied forms direct their faith and confidence, and therefore when Saul was brought out by Samuel, as the first king of Israel the people adored him, for he fit the bill they were looking for. He was tall and handsome, and when he stood up, he was taller than everyone from his shoulders up. He made a very deep impression on the people in so much that they started to chant for the first time: God save the king.
He was also valiant in battle, a characteristic which they had specified in their request to Samuel, thus, their confidence, their courage, their zeal and their sense of security, rose with the stature of their king, and consequently, their faith and confidence in the power of God greatly recoiled and took a back seat. Saul was also a man of financial stature, for he came from a well to do family, one that was renowned for power, within the tribes of Israel.
Thus, the Hebrews saw in him all that they were looking for, as pertains to their security, financial stability, and stature in the eyes of the other nations… [Patriarchs & Prophets pp 608] Of noble and dignified bearing, in the prime of life, comely and tall, he appeared like one born to command. Yet with these external attractions, Saul was destitute of those higher qualities that constitute true wisdom. Saul was the son of a powerful and wealthy chief.
1st Samuel 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!