SUMMARY
In addition to his religious (1 SamuelThe judge who anointed the first two kings of Israel. More 13) and military (1 Samuel 14) failings, the last of the three failure narratives shows how SaulThe first king of Israel. More has shunned personal responsibility for his own decisions, and instead set up monuments to himself instead of God.
ANALYSIS
After Samuel instructed Saul to put the ban (herem) on the Amalekites, including all their people, animals, and possessions, Saul ignored the instruction and saved the Amalekite king, Agag, as well as the best animals and many of their best possessions. This intentional disobedience seemed to have been the final straw for God and Samuel in their rejection of Saul as king. Moreover, when Samuel sought out Saul to inform him what he had done, Saul was setting up a monument to himself, rather than remaining with the army.
When Samuel finally caught up with Saul, Saul blamed the people, saying that he had obeyed the LORD in fighting against the Amalekites, but that the people had taken some of the best plunder, only intending to [eventually] sacrificeSacrifice is commonly understood as the practice of offering or giving up something as a sign of worship, commitment, or obedience. In the Old Testament grain, wine, or animals are used as sacrifice. In some New Testament writings Jesus' death on the cross as the... More it to God anyway.
Samuel replied with a classic depiction of God preferring obedience and faithfulness to sacrifice. Seeing his actions in the proper light, finally, Saul confessed. Saul begged Samuel not to abandon him within sight of the people. After initially refusing, Samuel agreed to be seen publicly with Saul.
This last of the three failure narratives of Saul confirms that he is no longer religiously, militarily or even personally trustworthy or fit to be king. This sets the scene for the selection of DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More as the next king.
