THE CORE OF SAUL’S DISOBEDIENCE WAS THAT

• A. He freed the Kenites
• B. He refused to carry out God’s assignment on eliminating the Amalekites
• C. He didn’t perform the task of smiting Amalekites to the letter ✓
• D. He preserved the booty for himself

The answer to the question is: C. He didn’t perform the task of smiting Amalekites to the letter

Saul’s disobedience is best exemplified in the biblical account found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel. The specific instance of Saul’s disobedience is when he failed to carry out God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. This act of disobedience is detailed in 1 Samuel 15:1-35.

Saul’s disobedience can be attributed to his failure to perform the task of smiting the Amalekites to the letter, as indicated in option C. In 1 Samuel 15:3, God commands Saul through the prophet Samuel, “Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” However, Saul did not fully carry out this command, as he spared King Agag and some of the best livestock (1 Samuel 15:8-9).

The consequences of Saul’s disobedience were severe. In 1 Samuel 15:23, Samuel tells Saul, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” This marked a turning point in Saul’s reign as king of Israel.