And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.
He laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, х mª`iylow (H4598)] - his upper tunic, official robe-in a humble and supplicating manner (cf. Isaiah 4:1; Zechariah 8:23). The verses that precede and follow this statement demonstrate that the demeanour of Saul toward the prophet was full of submission and humility. The separation between Samuel and Saul was an impassioned scene, each being overcome by the force of strong though different emotions. In an agony of mental excitement Saul took hold of the prophet's dress, while he was hurrying away in vehement anger, to detain him. The rending of the mantle was adroitly pointed to as a significant and mysterious representation of his severance from the throne.