21. But the people took of the plunder, sheep and cattle, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”
22. Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the Lord’s voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
23. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the Lord’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.”
24. Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
25. Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord.”
26. Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected the Lord’s word, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.”