While Samuel was aging and retiring from his role as judge, Saul gained favor with the people with every battle won. Saul was swelling with pride and becoming addicted to the praise of his people, while Samuel led the people into habitually seeking God before every battle. One day, while preparing for battle against the Philistines at Gilgal, Saul gave in to his anxiety and people-pleasing attitude by taking on the duties of a priest's duties, which belonged solely to Samuel. Saul’s disobedience and petty excuses led to God removing the kingship from his dynasty and passing it onto one whose heart would seek after God.
