Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 11:12-15

"And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for to-day Jehovah hath wrought deliverance in Israel. Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before Jehovah in Gilgal; and there they offered sacrifices of peace-offerings before Jehovah; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly." — 1 Samuel 11:12-15 (ASV)

They now honored Saul whom they had despised; and if an enemy is made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. The once despised Savior will eventually be acknowledged by all as the Lord's own anointed king. For now, upon his mercy-seat, he receives the submission of rebels, and even pleads their cause; but soon, from his righteous tribunal, he will condemn all who persist in opposing him.