V.1-5 Long ago, the Lord warned Israel that they were never to be at peace with Amalek (Ex. 17:1616For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. (Exodus 17:16)). Amalek is a picture of the old sinful nature that is in us. We are to consider it dead, and to put down every effort of that old nature to act (Rom. 13:1414But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)). Saul was plainly told that he was not to spare any.
V.9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep. This was disobedience.
V.13 Saul tells Samuel that he had “performed the commandment of the Lord.” No doubt he thought Samuel would not know of his disobedience, but guilt cannot be hid from God.
V.15 When Samuel tells Saul that he knows of what has been done, Saul tells a lie. Will God be pleased if we bring to Him as a sacrifice, something of the old nature that has been condemned? Of course not.
V.22-23 Important verses. The Lord wants obedience! “To obey is better than sacrifice.” True worship of God cannot have any of the “old nature” in it — even singing and service are not worship.
V.30 The pride and vanity of Saul. He knows that he has sinned, but wanted to honor men before he honored God.
V.32 Samuel himself puts king Agag to death. Thank God there will be a complete end of Satan, and it is the Lord Himself who will see to it.
V.35 Saul is rejected and Samuel never visits him again, but he mourns for him. In faithfulness to the Lord we may not be able to go along with those believers who are disobedient to the Word of God, but we ought to mourn for them.