It is unclear exactly what Samuel cried out. It could be that he pleaded with the Lord to show mercy to Saul and dissuade him from his plan to reject Saul as king.1 The institution of the monarchy was a significant time in the life of the nation and Samuel, seeing as he was the prophet who ordained God’s king.2 He also wanted what was best for Saul; he was eager to see Saul succeed as king. Alternatively, Samuel could be echoing the Lord’s anger and lamenting the damage and suffering that will come upon Israel as a result of Saul’s disobedience.3 A mourning for Saul that echoes that of Jesus for Jerusalem (see Matthew 23:37–38).4
11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the LORD all night.