Samuel delivers God's command for Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites in fulfillment of long-standing judgment. Although Saul defeats them militarily, he spares King Agag and the best livestock, claiming the animals were reserved for sacrifice. Samuel confronts this partial obedience, declaring the famous principle that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." Despite Saul's confession, Samuel announces God's irrevocable rejection of him as king. After executing Agag himself, Samuel departs, never to see Saul again though continuing to mourn for him. This pivotal chapter establishes that genuine obedience flows from honoring God's word rather than reinterpreting commands to suit human preferences—a theme Jesus would emphasize in teaching that true love for Him is demonstrated through obedience.