So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul bowed down before Jehovah.

But he said, My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If any harm should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair in sorrow to Sheol.

And their father Israel said to them, If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man; a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts and almonds.

Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man.

And they drew near to the village where they were going, and He made as though He would have gone farther.

But they constrained Him, saying, Stay with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to stay with them.

for he who blesses him shares in his evil deeds.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of Jehovah, He also has rejected you from being king.

Therefore Jehovah the God of Israel says: I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now Jehovah says: Far be it from Me! For those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.

But now your kingdom shall not stand. Jehovah has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and Jehovah has ordained him to be ruler over His people, because you have not kept what Jehovah has commanded you.

And Jehovah said to Samuel, 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 to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.

Hear, O earth; behold, I will bring evil on this people, the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not heeded My Words, nor My Law, but rejected it.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest to Me. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your sons.