to them.” The term “totally destroy” (Hiphil of ḥrm or the noun ḥerem) occurs eight times in this chapter and is an important concept in understanding why Saul is rejected. The word denotes a special act of consecration to God; when related to warfare it designates the consecration of a city or its population to destruction.5 The entire city of Jericho was devoted for destruction (Josh. 6:17). But when Achan disobeyed the ban, Israel lost a battle to the people of Ai, thus illustrating the importance