2-3. “‘I’m about to get even with Amalek for ambushing Israel when Israel came up out of Egypt. Here’s what you are to do: Go to war against Amalek. Put everything connected with Amalek under a holy ban. And no exceptions! This is to be total destruction—men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys—the works.’”
20-21. Saul defended himself. “What are you talking about? I did obey God. I did the job God set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to God at Gilgal—what’s wrong with that?”
22-23. Then Samuel said,Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show?He wants you to listen to him!Plain listening is the thing,not staging a lavish religious production.Not doing what God tells youis far worse than fooling around in the occult.Getting self-important around Godis far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.Because you said No to God’s command,he says No to your kingship.