Background and Context:
Samuel, the last of the Israelite judges and a prophet, played a pivotal role in the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. The relationship between Samuel and Saul is marked by divine instruction and human failure, with Samuel serving as God's mouthpiece to guide and correct Saul.

The Command:
The specific command given by Samuel to Saul is found in 1 Samuel 15. God, through Samuel, instructs Saul to "attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them" (1 Samuel 15:3). This command was a divine directive to execute judgment on the Amalekites for their past transgressions against Israel during the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

Details of the Command:
Samuel's command was explicit: Saul was to completely destroy the Amalekites, sparing no one and nothing. This included men, women, children, infants, and all livestock. The command was a test of Saul's obedience to God's will, reflecting the seriousness of divine judgment and the importance of complete adherence to God's instructions.

Saul's Disobedience:
Saul's failure to fully execute Samuel's command is a critical moment in his reign. Instead of complete destruction, Saul spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and the best of the livestock, rationalizing that they could be used for sacrifices to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:9, 15). This partial obedience was seen as rebellion against God's command.

Samuel's Rebuke:
Upon learning of Saul's disobedience, Samuel confronts him with a stern rebuke. Samuel declares, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). This statement underscores the principle that God values obedience over ritualistic offerings.

Consequences for Saul:
As a result of his disobedience, Saul is rejected by God as king. Samuel informs Saul that the Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from him and given it to a neighbor who is better than he (1 Samuel 15:28). This marks the beginning of Saul's decline and the rise of David, who would eventually become king.

Theological Implications:
Samuel's command to Saul and the subsequent events highlight several key theological themes. The narrative emphasizes the sovereignty of God in executing judgment, the necessity of complete obedience to divine commands, and the consequences of disobedience. It also illustrates the role of the prophet as God's spokesperson and the importance of aligning human leadership with divine will.

Legacy:
The account of Samuel's command to Saul serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's word. It is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, setting the stage for the rise of David and the establishment of a dynasty that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah.