1 Samuel 12- 14

All about Saul. His reign as king. His relationship with his soldiers, the Philistines, his son, Samuel, and God. His battles.
"All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines..." 14:52

I still don't really understand because even though Samuel says "You will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the Lord when you asked for a king" 12:17. but the Lord still helps Saul out "So on that day the Lord saved Israel..." 14:23. Why would the Lord have mercy on a king that he never wanted to be over Israel in the first place? Why would the Lord ever show him favor? Maybe he didn't? Maybe he did... I don't know...