In I Samuel 15:1-15, we read the account of Saul defeating the Amalekites. I encourage you to read the entire passage when you have a moment. Samuel went to speak to Saul and gave him a message from the Lord (verses 2 and 3):
Thus says the Lord of hosts: “I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.” (NKJV)
God’s instructions were clear. Do not spare them. Kill everything.
So, what did Saul do? He spared the Kenites and took Agag, the king of the Amalekites, alive. He did destroy the rest of the Amalekites, but he spared the best of the livestock and spoils that seemed valuable. In other words, he kept the things that he believed were of value and destroyed the things that seemed worthless. And he was quite pleased with himself, too. It’s funny how we can not do all that God has told us to do and still have a moment to pat ourselves on the back for our willingness to obey God.
The Manna Chef 