(a) Explain the circumstances that led to the rejection of Saul as the king of Israel.
(b) Mention two consequences of Saul's rejection as king.
Explanation
(a)Explain the circumstances that led to the rejection of Saul as the king of lsrael.1 Sam.15: 1 - 8: (i) God directed Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites. (ii) For opposing the Israelites on their way to the promised land. (iii) Saul attacked and defeated the Amalekites. (iv) But he spared Agag, the king. (v) He took spoil of the best of the (oxen, sheep, fatling and the lambs) (vi) He destroyed all that was worthless. (vii) God spoke to Samuel that He regretted having made Saul, king. (viii) For he had disobeyed His commandments. (ix) Samuel confronted Saul to register God's annoyance against him. (x) Saul defended self by asserting that he spared king Agag for sacrifice to God. (xi) Samuel asked Saul whether the Lord had any delight in burnt offering. (xii) That "to obey is better than sacrifice". (xiii) Samuel concluded that because Saul had disobeyed the word of God, the Lord had rejected him 1 from being the king.
(b) Two consequences of Saul's rejection: 1Sam.16: 14-23; 31: 1-13: (i) Saul's kingship was taken away from him. (ii) The spirit of the Lord left him / He became mad / insane. (iii)An evil spirit came and tormented Saul. (iv) Saul and his three sons perished at the battle of mount Gilboa.