THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Once again, Saul transgressed by defying the Lord, prompting Samuel to convey the Lord's message: “You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” Although Saul repeated his sin, sought pardon, and convinced Samuel to accompany him in worship, Samuel responded, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” Indeed, the Faithful One of Israel will not speak falsely, nor will He change His mind; for He is not a man who repents. These words were addressed to a man who reigned over Israel for forty years, just as David would do for an equal term. Saul received this verdict in the early years of his rule.
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This judgment implies that none of Saul's heirs would ascend to the throne after him, directing our attention towards the line of David, from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who stands between God and humanity, would come in the flesh.
In numerous Latin translations, one verse is rendered as: the Lord has torn away the kingdom of Israel from you (1 Kings 15:28). However, I have chosen to express it in accordance with the Greek text: the Lord has taken the kingdom of Israel from your hand, highlighting the unity of your hand and Israel. In this context, Samuel represented the people of Israel who were destined to lose their sovereignty when our Lord Jesus Christ would reign in the Spirit, not in the flesh—in the New Covenant. The reference to “And gave him to your neighbor, your best man” suggests a familial connection, as Christ is a descendant of Israel according to the flesh, just as Saul was.