11-12. Samuel was angry when he heard this. He prayed his anger and disappointment all through the night. He got up early in the morning to confront Saul but was told, “Saul’s gone. He went to Carmel to set up a victory monument in his own honor, and then was headed for Gilgal.”By the time Samuel caught up with him, Saul had just finished an act of worship, having used Amalekite plunder for the burnt offerings sacrificed to God.
13. As Samuel came close, Saul called out, “God’s blessings on you! I accomplished God’s plan to the letter!”
14. Samuel said, “So what’s this I’m hearing—this bleating of sheep, this mooing of cattle?”
15. “Only some Amalekite loot,” said Saul. “The soldiers saved back a few of the choice cattle and sheep to offer up in sacrifice to God. But everything else we destroyed under the holy ban.”
16. “Enough!” interrupted Samuel. “Let me tell you what God told me last night.”Saul said, “Go ahead. Tell me.”