Final rejection: God’s rejection of Saul is confirmed as the king again disobeys. Sent to destroy an ancient enemy, Saul permits the people to keep the best of the cattle for themselves, and destroys only what is worthless.
Samuel confronts Saul and announces God’s judgment. Saul, who before excused his disobedience by fear of the enemy now says weakly “I was afraid of my people! This is the last meeting of Saul and Samuel, although the old prophet grieves for the man who had shown such promise, and for all that might have been. Saul is a person who should be carefully studied as a warning to all believers.
” 22 So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”
–> The Strength of Israel: This designation of God occurs only here in the Bible. The phrase can also mean “the Glory of Israel.” will not lie nor relent: God’s decision to reject Saul was irrevocable.
