From a humble shephered to Israel's most honored king, David's spectacular rise to power was not his own doing. God affirmed that He had established David's house, a house which would endure forever through the ultimate victory of a later member of his house: Jesus Christ.
Obedience > Sacrifice
Saul justified his disobedience to God's instructions by claiming that he and his people intended to make a special offering to Him. The prophet Samuel responded that "to obey is better than sacrifice." Ordinances are intended as a facilitator, not as a substitute, for personal growth and sanctification.
Saul’s Modesty
Saul had a problem with accountability because he feared the people he led more than he trusted God. He could have benefited from Lehi's warning to his sons: Don't heed those who mock you. Don't compromise your principles to appease those who may not share your values.
Unchangeable and Responsive
The author of 1 Samuel tells us that God "repented" for making Saul king. But Samuel testifies that God doesn't repent. The Book of Mormon clarifies this apparent contradiction. God is unchangeable, both Nephi and Moroni testify. But the Savior was responsive to the needs of the Nephites, changing His plans on their behalf.
The Lord Hath Wrought Salvation
After defeating the Ammonites, Saul refused to take vengeance on his detractors, giving the credit for his victory to God. Captain Moroni followed a similar logic, avoiding unnecessary violence even as he defended his country. When we believe that the victory is God's, we can defend what is right without making other people our enemies.
Prophets and Seers
Ammon taught King Limhi that a seer is also a prophet and a revelator. In other words, they don't just learn things for their own benefit; they communicate those truths to others. Samuel was a seer and also a prophet. He shared difficult messages from God with Eli, Saul, and others.
I Command You … That Ye Have No King
When Mosiah abolished the monarchy, he cited two principles the Lord had referenced in conjunction with kings in the Old Testament: equality and self-government. The Lord's opposition to monarchy is implicit but not clearly stated in the Old Testament. The Book of Mormon makes that opposition much more clear.
The Lord Looketh on the Heart
How do you choose a king? God led Samuel first to Saul, whose self-consciousness seemed like humility and who received "another heart" and prophesied. When Saul failed to lead with integrity, God selected a new king, David, explaining to Samuel that people focus on physical appearance, but He looks on the heart.
“Speak, Lord”
Samuel heard God calling his name multiple times but only received the message when Eli taught him how to respond. In the Book of Mormon, a group of Lamanites and a group of Nephites had similar experiences, hearing multiple times from God but only responding appropriately the final time.
Hannah’s Psalm
After delivering her son to Eli the priest, Hannah offers a psalm of praise which might sound self-congratulatory. The Book of Mormon missionary Ammon helps us recognize that she is boasting in God, not in herself. In her psalm, Hannah distinguishes between those who rely upon God and those who try to go it alone.