Saul's False Start

After being reluctant to assert himself due to Samuel's sobering indictment of Israel proper, Saul finally begins to take the reins in his kingdom. In so doing, Jonathan sets up a provocation of the Philistines, which leads to them to respond with intimidation. Saul panics and prematurely offers a sacrifice and places his kingdom on the scary ground of desecration. Thus the chapter closes with the people experiencing an ongoing humiliation. All was avoidable if king Saul would have obeyed a single command.