1 – Verses 1-3 – What authority did Samuel have to send Saul on a mission against the Amalekites? What authority does God have to extinguish a people? Why not do it himself like at Sodom and Gomorrah? Why are non-combatants included in the annihilation?

2 – Verses 4-9 – What reasons does Saul have for not obeying the annihilation command? What does he do instead of obeying? Why?

3 – Verses 10-11 – How can God have regret? (verses 11, 29, 35)

4 – Verses 12-13 – Why is Saul so pleased with himself?

5 – Verses 14-19 – What evidence does Samuel see that negates Saul's claim? What spin does Saul put on his disobedience? Is Samuel convinced?

6 – Verse 20 – Again, Saul explains by spinning the facts. What does he say?

7 – Verse 22 – "To obey is better than sacrifice." How is that to be applied today? How is partial disobedience the same as total disobedience? If we are saved by grace and not by works of the law, then what are we supposed to be obedient to do?