Up and down the kingship staircase

The second stage of Saul’s rejection is reached [in 1 Sam 15]. Chapter 13 saw the loss of dynastic status, but Saul remained as king. Although ch. 14 showed some successes, it was still critical of his leadership, especially compared with Jonathan. Just as Saul moved towards the throne through three key stages (anointing, acclamation, battle victory), his removal takes three stages (loss of dynasty, announcement of loss of rule, and death).—David Firth, Samuel, cited in ;The Unfavored, page 200