It appears as if Samuel died around the time of Saul’s confrontation with David outside one of the caves near Engedi.1 This timing is significant. With the death of the prophet, there is no mediator who could help David and Saul to reconcile.2 It also followed the public announcement of Saul in which he acknowledged the Lord’s judgment that was spoken through Samuel (see 1 Samuel 13:13–14; 1 Samuel 15:26–29).3
1 Samuel mourut. Tout Israël s'étant assemblé le pleura, et on l'enterra dans sa demeure à Rama. Ce fut alors que David se leva et descendit au désert de Paran.