(5) For the most part Saul is under Samuel’s authority. This is seen above all in ch. 12 when Samuel simply sidelines Saul and keeps the reins of national power firmly in his own hands—even announcing that he himself will continue to guide the nation in the future (12:23). In 11:7 he accompanies Saul to the war against the Ammonites. Even in the exploit by which he is to prove himself Saul, it seems, cannot manage alone.39 In contrast to all these points Saul does in chs. 9–11 begin to assert himself