The question posed by Samuel repeats the crucial verb (turned from) of Saul’s explanation in the previous verse. The Hebrew text then reinforces this idea by adding and become your enemy. On the other hand the Septuagint says “he is with your neighbor” (see verse 17), which is followed by New American Bible. The Septuagint reading, however, seems based on a mistake in which two Hebrew consonants in this noun were reversed. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text as reflected in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

In some languages it will be more natural to reverse the two main elements in Samuel’s response to Saul. For example, one may say “If the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy, why then did you call for me?”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .