Samuel said, Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
Consistent with his view of his own behavior, Saul claimed to have obeyed God (1 Samuel 14:13). Nevertheless he had only been partially obedient. God regards incomplete obedience as disobedience (1 Samuel 14:19). Rather than confessing his sin, Saul sought to justify his disobedience (1 Samuel 14:15; cf. Genesis 3:12; Exodus 32:22-23). He believed it was for a worthy purpose, and he failed to take responsibility for his actions and blamed the people instead (1 Samuel 14:15).