21. But my men did not kill the best sheep and cattle that they captured; instead, they brought them here to Gilgal to offer as a sacrifice to the Lord your God.”
22. 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.
23. Rebellion against him is as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as sinful as idolatry. Because you rejected the Lord's command, he has rejected you as king.”
24. “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.
25. But now I beg you, forgive my sin and go back with me, so that I can worship the Lord.”
26. “I will not go back with you,” Samuel answered. “You rejected the Lord's command, and he has rejected you as king of Israel.”
27. Then Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak, and it tore.
28. Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today and given it to someone who is a better man than you.
29. Israel's majestic God does not lie or change his mind. He is not a human being — he does not change his mind.”
30. “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “But at least show me respect in front of the leaders of my people and all Israel. Go back with me so that I can worship the Lord your God.”
31. So Samuel went back with him, and Saul worshipped the Lord.
32. “Bring King Agag here to me,” Samuel ordered. Agag came to him, trembling with fear, thinking to himself, “What a bitter thing it is to die!”