I have carried out the word of Jehovah.—1 Sam. 15:13.
Jehovah commanded Saul to annihilate the nation of Amalek, which had earlier attacked Israel without provocation. Saul was not even to spare their domestic animals. Yet, contrary to the clear instructions they had received, Saul and his people kept alive King Agag and “the best of the flock and the herd.” King Saul justified his disobedient course by saying: “The people had compassion upon the best of the flock and of the herd, for the purpose of sacrificing to Jehovah your God.” (1 Sam. 15:1-15) At that, Samuel told Saul: “Does Jehovah have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice, to pay attention than the fat of rams.” (1 Sam. 15:22) Since Jehovah had determined that those animals were to be destroyed, they were not acceptable for offering as sacrifices. w07 6/15 2:9, 10