[
first lines]
Saul's guard:
The king cannot speak with you now. He is engaged in the affairs of state.
Samuel:
Since when have the affairs of state taken precedence over the affairs of God?
[
shoves his way past and enters Saul's throne room]
Saul:
...Samuel. We welcome you. With God's blessing, our victory is complete.
Samuel:
Is THIS how you show Him your gratitude... by robbing the Amalekites of their women and cattle? By holding their king in chains?
Saul:
We were discussing a possible treaty. The king is to be ransomed...
Samuel:
A *treaty?* *Ransom?* Saul, for this you have betrayed your own soul in the sight of God. His instructions were plain enough: "... Spare nothing from the sword."
[
beheads the Amalekite king]
Samuel:
... When our tribes clamored for a king, to make us like other nations, I answered them: "We are not like other nations. The Lord of Hosts is both our God and our King." The people said, "We want a king we can see. We want a king of our own flesh and blood."
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