1 Samuel 15:1–35 begins a new section in Samuel; the previous section having been completed with the official summary of Saul’s reign in 1 Samuel 14:47–52. From here onward, Saul and his reign will form the backdrop for David’s rise to power.1 Having lost the prospect of an enduring dynasty (1 Samuel 14:47–52), and the respect of his troops (1 Samuel 14:1–52), Saul now loses his office as king (1 Samuel 15:1–35).2
Saul is rejected as king because he listened to the voice of the people rather than the voice of the Lord (1 Samuel 15:20, 1 Samuel 15:24).3 He was given an opportunity to demonstrate his willingness to listen to the Lord and fulfill his duties as king, but he failed to do so. He did not desire to be a faithful servant of the Lord.4
Due to the similarities between 1 Samuel 15:1–34 and 1 Samuel 13:7–15, some scholars have argued that they are parallel versions of the same event. In reality, they are two different events with the same driving issue at the forefront: obedience to God’s commandments.5 Saul’s offering of an unauthorized sacrifice in the context of holy war led to an initial rebuke (1 Samuel 13:1–23), and his intent to do the same once again leads to a final rejection (1 Samuel 15:1–35).6
1 And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD.