Obedience Better than Sacrifice

Two things puzzle us in this story. Why did God order the destruction of the Amalekites? And why did he regard Saul's failure to obey in every detail as so serious? Such an instruction was highly unusual. God has gone on oath saying he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. In this case there was historic hostility towards Israel and a constant danger of destruction either by was or by evil influence. Their wickedness was greater than in Abraham's day (Genesis 15:12-16). God was acting as Judge and, unusually, was using his people to carry out the sentence. What made Saul act as he did? The fact that he blamed his army suggests the fear of man (that brings a snare) was a major factor. His failure was serious because of the message it gave: that God's commands do not matter; that God does not fully understand (why destroy good food?); that God can be placated easily. Saul had been entrusted with a task and had deliberately failed to carry it out. He was unfit to be king. We learn from this that God's will cannot be thwarted; his kingdom will come whatever others do. We should examine our motives; are we led by the love of God, or does the fear of man rule us? So we should consider the tasks God has given us, whether as parents, friends, ministers, etc. Saul need not have failed so miserably; and neither need we - ask for the Holy Spirit and God will give him.