I Samuel 15

“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” (v22). The Lord had given King Saul very clear instructions about his battle against the Amalekites (v3), but Saul decided to modify those instructions a bit (v9), thinking that it wouldn’t matter.  The prophet Samuel rebuked him, saying that rebellion against God’s command was as bad as divination or idolatry (v23). Because Saul rejected the Lord’s authority, the Lord rejected him as king (v23).

“To obey is better than sacrifice” (v22). More than the “show” of a dramatic sacrifice, God desires us to honor Him by listening and obeying His clear Word.