I Samuel 13-16

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (v22).  King Saul was chosen by God, and God’s Spirit was available to him for leadership.  However, Saul had a problem with obedience.  He grew impatient when the prophet Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal to perform the pre-battle sacrifice, and so he did it himself (13:12).  For this, Samuel declared, “Your kingdom shall not endure” (v14).  Later, King Saul spared Amalek’s king and flocks (15:9), after being told to destroy them. 

Saul’s pride and fear caused him to sin.  Obedience is based on trust; we obey because we believe God loves us and is wiser than we are.