7 So Saul defeated the Amalekites , from Havilah as you go to Shur , which is east e of Egypt . 8 He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive , and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword . 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep , the oxen , the fatlings , the lambs , and all that was good , and were not willing to destroy them utterly ; but everything e despised and worthless , that they utterly destroyed .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:7-9
Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:1-9
(Read 1 Samuel 15:1-9)
The sentence of condemnation against the Amalekites had gone forth long before, Revelation 18:4. As the commandment had been express, and a test of Saul's obedience, his conduct evidently was the effect of a proud, rebellious spirit. He destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. That which was now destroyed was sacrificed to the justice of God.