This was not what Samuel wanted for Saul. He was grieved for him. He had anointed Saul as king, trained him to govern, and conducted his coronation. He was Saul’s personal friend. But listen to how God reacted to Samuel’s grief over Saul: “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go, I am sending you” (1 Sam. 16:1, emphasis added).
