Samuel’s relationship with Saul came to a dramatic end. He had high expectations for this tall, handsome son of Kish. The prophet had heard God’s word to his heart concerning this young man and invested in him. He anointed him, proclaimed him as king and gave the address at his coronation. Then, battle after battle, he watched the towering Saul crumble before him. In the end he confronted Saul, worshipped with Saul, and carried out justice.
Confrontation
When Samuel confronted Saul about his disobedience, Saul had his excuses.
“You have rejected the word of the Lord. He has rejected you as king.” Samuel was done with Saul. When he turned to leave, Saul grabbed the edge of his robe and it ripped. Samuel said, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you.” Then he said, “The Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent.”
Worship
Saul admitted his sin and again requested to worship before the elders and the people of Israel, so Samuel agreed. They worshipped the Lord.
Justice
Samuel then performed justice when Saul would not. Before slaughtering the pagan king, he said, “As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.”
After, Samuel and Saul parted. Samuel mourned for Saul, and God regretted having made Saul king. In the end Samuel confronted Saul, worshipped with him, and carried out justice.