The passage is split into two
As far as the NKJV of the Bible is concerned
The 1st part is entitled: “David Anointed King”
And the 2nd: “A Distressing Spirit Troubles Saul”
So for background – Saul IS King
And yet God sends Samuel
To select and anoint Saul’s replacement
Note: While Saul is still alive
This is NOT normal procedure
Usually a new King is anointed on the
Death of the former
Remember too that Samuel
Is a powerful man
Set aside for service
Promised to the work of the Lord
By his mother – who waited years
To have him – having been barren
Samuel had a special encounter with
The Lord – in the middle of the night
So Samuel was God’s PRIEST
And everybody knew it