After a promising start to Saul's kingship, the hopes of Saul as the great savior of Israel come crashing down in chapter 13. Pressed by the Philistines on all sides, Saul reveals an impatient attitude, and a heart that is slow to obey the word of God. The consequences are serious: Saul's sons will not reign in Israel. Beyond some obvious lessons about obedience and trust in God, this text demonstrates the failure of Saul as a representative of God's people, and points us toward Jesus Christ who would perfectly fulfill obedience on behalf of his people.