Since Saul refused to submit to the Lord, he had essentially rejected the Lord as his King. In response, the Lord rejected Saul as the king over his people.1 This rejection is in keeping with the warning or promise that God made at Saul’s public ordination (1 Samuel 12:14–15).2 Saul’s kingship failed since he was unwilling to submit to the requirements of office as explained to him by God’s prophet (see 1 Samuel 10:25; 1 Samuel 12:14–15).3
23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”