Saul has become like the kings of the world and has been rejected by God. Samuel is now sent to find a replacement but fears for his life in doing so. Nonetheless, through the very fitting subterfuge of hiding behind
Loss of trust
The relationship between Saul and Samuel is rapidly breaking down due to Saul’s repeated disobedience and God’s rejection of him. So Samuel does not accept Saul’s limited apology/explanation and then just carry on as before. Saul is too unstable; they
A monumental failure
Saul was given a task from God. He was to bring justice, without any gain for himself, upon an enemy of the nation. All he had to do was obey. But he hasn’t. His heart has led him astray to
Grieving the Lord
Three times in three chapters Saul has the opportunity to sacrifice in the way God desires; three times he fails. The first was when he panicked over Samuel’s lateness in chapter 13. Then when he caused dangerous havoc with a