23 Refusing to obey him is as sinful as using evil magic. Being proud is as evil as worshiping statues of gods. You have refused to do what the Lord told you to do. So he has refused to have you as king."
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I've broken the Lord's command. I haven't done what you directed me to do. I was afraid of the people. So I did what they said I should do.
25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin. Come back into town with me so I can worship the Lord."
26 But Samuel said to him, "I won't go back with you. You have refused to do what the Lord told you to do. So he has refused to have you as king over Israel!"
27 Samuel turned to leave. But Saul grabbed hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore.
28 Samuel said to Saul, "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today. He has given it to one of your neighbors. He has given it to someone who is better than you.
29 The One who is the Glory of Israel does not lie. He doesn't change his mind. That's because he isn't a mere man. If he were, he might change his mind."