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.”
26. But Samuel refused: “No, I can’t come alongside you in this. You rejected God’s command. Now God has rejected you as king over Israel.”
30. Saul tried again, “I have sinned. But don’t abandon me! Support me with your presence before the leaders and the people. Come alongside me as I go back to worship God.”
31. Samuel did. He went back with him. And Saul went to his knees before God and worshiped.
32. Then Samuel said, “Present King Agag of Amalek to me.” Agag came, dragging his feet, muttering that he’d be better off dead.
33. Samuel said, “Just as your sword made many a woman childless, so your mother will be childless among those women!” And Samuel cut Agag down in the presence of God right there in Gilgal.