It is sad that his innocent son, Jonathan, had to suffer because of the sins of his father. There are several practical lessons we can learn from the tragic life and death of King Saul. Great sins often begin as little matters, such as impatience, disobedience and excuse making. A man goes from bad to worse when sin gets hold of him. Also, when a person is not right with God, he will not be able to get along with God's people.
Excuses are no substitute for confession, and there is no substitute for obedience.
And finally, natural gifts and abilities mean nothing if you do not have the power of God in your life. There are no unkind words about Saul in these verses. David's main concern is that the Lord's anointed is dead and the Lord's glory is dimmed. He is anxious that the unsaved enemy will not rejoice over this victory. Now we see him fallen lower than even the enemy.