Samuel said, “Which does the Lord prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? It is better to obey him than to sacrifice the best sheep to him. Rebellion against him is as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as sinful as idolatry.”
Disobedience is the root that manifests itself in so many different ways (Romans 1:28-32).
“Because you rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king.”
The progression: from a reign designated for termination (1 Samuel 13:14), on to its promised end here and finally to its realization (1 Samuel 31:1-6). It brings to mind the progression of sin (James 1:14-15) and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to reality (Daniel 4).
“Yes, I have sinned,” Saul replied. “I disobeyed the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of my men and did what they wanted.”
If only Saul had started with that like David… (2 Samuel 12:1-14).
“But now I beg you, forgive my sin and go back with me, so that I can worship the Lord. …at least show me respect in front of the leaders of my people and all of Israel. Go back with me so that I can worship the Lord your God.”
Was Saul pleading with Samuel to accompany him so that he could worship the Lord? Hardly. Rather it was to manage appearances in front of the people he so desperately wanted to impress and please. Free me from that slavery, Lord (Galatians 1:10)!