1 Samuel 15:18, commentary and pictures

The command was the execution of a judgment long delayed against the Amalekites for their attack on Israel in the wilderness, their defiance of God, and their idolatry, under a sentence pronounced through Moses. They had not turned from their sins, and would, if able, have destroyed God's people and worship, so the time had come to carry out that condemnation. The commission was clear and total: to go, to fight against the sinners the Amalekites, to smite them, and to utterly destroy them until they were consumed. That completeness included the children.

Saul disobeyed by sparing Agag and keeping the best cattle, sheep, and livestock, allowing the people to do the same. In this he obeyed only part of the command and failed to complete the work. That sparing did not act from mercy or sound judgment, but from pride and desire for renown. When rebuked through Samuel, Saul claimed to have obeyed and readily justified himself, but the surviving sheep and oxen exposed his disobedience, and the claim did not change the fact.

His plea that the animals were kept for sacrifice did not excuse the failure, for a religious purpose cannot turn disobedience into obedience. Using God's cause to cover sin makes the sin more serious. Obeying only part of God's command brought consequences, and failure to finish the assigned work kindled God's wrath, showing that neglecting a duty God assigns is serious. Keeping material gain through transgression of God's law cannot be justified by devoting it to religious use; such conduct may be tolerated for a time, but after sufficient light persistent disregard brings punishment and the loss of what was gained.

The account warns against professing loyalty to God while disregarding His voice. Saul's course parallels one who denies wrongdoing until the facts are undeniable, makes no confession, and considers himself misused and ill-treated.