Could Saul Rule Forever? A New Look at 1 Samuel 13:13–14

Abstract

This article reconsiders the pericope in 1 Samuel 13:13-14, in which Samuel told Saul that had he been obedient to him, he and his dynasty would have ruled forever. These words are traditionally considered by scholars and interpreters as a later addition or as Samuel’s own interpretation of God’s oracles. I contest these views on the basis of historical and exegetical arguments.