In these three chapters we learn that king Saul reign lasted around 40 years, and during this time, he had expanded the land of Israel on every side (14:47). In chapter 13 it was against the Philistines. They were advanced in weaponry, but the only two men on Israel's side who had spears were King Saul and his son, Jonathan (13:22). It was through the leadership of Jonathan, that the Lord blessed the Israelites, and it caused a panic to the Philistines. King Saul had made a vow, that if any man ate before they won, they would be cursed. Jonathan did not know since he was out fighting, so he ate some honey. The men fought and won, but they were so famished that they ate meat from the plunder with the blood still in it, which was a no-no for the Israelites. To appease the Lord, Saul made an altar, his first. He asked the Lord if they should continue to fight, but the Lord was silent. He assumed it was due to sin in the land, and found out that Jonathan had eaten honey, so he was going to kill his son, but the people stepped in and said, "NO! It was because of Jonathan that we won the battle." The people spared his life. In chapter 15, the fight was against the Amalekites. It was to be a total ban, but Saul kept the best of the plunder. When Samuel approached, he reproached him for his disobedience. Saul gave his excuses, but Samuel said, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (15:22b). Samuel turned to go, and Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it ripped. Samuel said, "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors - to one better than you" (15:28). Samuel mourned. The Lord grieved He had made Saul king over Israel.
