Saul is still king in Israel. As such, he is sent to destroy the Amalekites for their opposition to Israel when they departed from Egypt. Saul is sent to totally destroy this nation. He kills all the citizens, but spares the king, the best of the flocks and other items he deemed "good." This breach of instruction finalizes the rejection of Saul as king. He would not obey God's voice; God therefore rejected him. Samuel is sent to deliver this terrible news - and to dispatch of the Amalekite king.
Saul has been rejected as king, but who would serve in his stead? Samuel is sent to the area of Bethlehem - the household of Jesse (Ruth's grandson) - and told he would find the new king there. Although Jesse's sons were impressive, the youngest was God's choice for leading the nation. David, a sheep herder, is anointed to be the next king. David soon finds himself in the palace, not as king, but as court musician to the troubled king Saul.
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