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1 Samuel 15 · Grade 3

Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice

Name Date

Read the Story

The Lord told Saul through Samuel to strike Amalek and utterly destroy all they had. Saul struck the Amalekites. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, cattle, and lambs. They destroyed only what was worthless.

The Lord told Samuel it grieved Him that He had made Saul king, for Saul had turned back from following Him. Samuel cried to the Lord all night. When Samuel came, Saul said he had obeyed. Samuel asked about the bleating of the sheep. Saul blamed the people and said they kept the best to sacrifice.

Samuel said, Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. Because Saul rejected the Lord's word, the Lord rejected him as king. Saul admitted he had feared the people. As Samuel turned, Saul tore his robe, and Samuel said the Lord had torn the kingdom from him. Samuel mourned for Saul.

Memory Verse

Samuel said, “Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying Yahweh’s voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:22 (WEB)

Answer the Questions

  1. What did Saul and the people spare?

  2. What did Samuel do all night?

  3. Who did Saul blame?

  4. What did Samuel say is better than sacrifice?

  5. Why did Saul say he disobeyed?

To Obey Is Better

Write what happened in each box.

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for teaching me to obey. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why did Saul set up a monument for himself?
  • Why is blaming others for our choices wrong?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.