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===Biblical Narrative===
===Saul's reign in its theological context===
The Book of Samuel focuses on God's kingship over Israel, showing the contrasts between the reigns of [[King David]] and King Saul. There are some important similarities between the two kings. Both were appointed by [[God]] ([[1 Samuel 9:19]], [[1 Samuel 16:13]]) and both had popular support ([[1 Samuel 10:24]], [[1 Samuel 11:12]], [[1 Samuel 18:7]]). Importantly, both gave exclusive worship to God, unlike David's son King [[Solomon]] who worshipped foreign gods.
There are however, significant differences in their reigns. In particular, the [[Old Testament]] shows that David honoured God as the divine king, whereas Saul did not and as such God rejected Saul's dynasty but blessed David's dynasty ([[1 Samuel 15:26]]) Saul's dishonour of God as the divine king can be seen particularly when he refused to heed the message of the God's instruction through a prophet ([[1 Samuel 13:13]], [[1 Samuel 15]]:22-24). David on the other hand, repented and accepted God's message through the prophet Nathan ([[2 Samuel 24]]:18-19).
the [[Bible]] explains that God ended the dynasty of Saul and did not bring about the final conquest of the land under Saul's reign because of Saul's lack of honouring God.
==Quotes==