Saul’s Rejection in the Book of Samuel

In 1 Sam 13–15, Saul is guilty of breaking commands that he could not keep. Saul breaks a specific, not universal, command and is tested and scrutinised in a way that David is not. Positive characteristics of Saul’s accession, including humility, sparing opposition, and listening to the people, become weaknesses exploited by God’s command when Saul judges poorly, spares Agag, and listens to the people. The narrative construal of divine regret for Saul’s kingship reflects the compositional development of these texts. Interpreting 1 Sam 13 and 15 through 1 Sam 28, 2 Sam 7, and 1 Sam 25, Saul is not forgiven by God for his sin— he becomes God’s enemy and is paralleled to King Agag of the Amalekites. Because of the lack of restoration implied in divine hostility, Saul does not receive retribution. His punishment at his death is proportional to his offences, but these offences take place after the punishment is declared.