Saul was rejected by God because he disobeyed direct commands, feared the people more than he feared the Lord, and failed to take responsibility for his sin. His repeated rebellion revealed a heart that was not fully submitted to God’s authority.
The first major failure came when Saul offered a burnt offering, a role reserved for the priest:
“You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God… For now the Lord would have established your kingdom… but now your kingdom shall not continue.”
(1 Samuel 13:13–14)
The final judgment came after Saul disobeyed God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites:
“Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have… But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep…”
(1 Samuel 15:3, 9)
When confronted by Samuel, Saul justified himself:
“I have obeyed the voice of the Lord… But the people took of the plunder…”
(1 Samuel 15:20–21)
Samuel replied with one of the clearest statements about God’s priorities:
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice… Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”
(1 Samuel 15:22–23)
Though Saul confessed, his concern was more about appearances than repentance:
“I have sinned… yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people…”
(1 Samuel 15:30)
God then instructed Samuel to anoint David. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit troubled him.
Saul’s rejection was not because of one mistake, but because of a pattern of rebellion and pride. God desires obedience, humility, and trust. Qualities Saul lacked.
