שמואל א, פרק ט״ו, פסוק כ׳

Faced with severe criticism from Samuel, Saul reacts with a strong sense of personal righteousness and firm defensiveness. He does not even wait for the prophet to finish delivering his message of doom, choosing instead to interrupt mid-speech to justify his actions [רד״ק]. He expresses frustration, pointing out that he initiated a military campaign against an enemy that posed no immediate threat, acting purely out of absolute obedience to God [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Confronting Samuel's accusations directly, Saul argues that reality does not match the prophet's harsh description, insisting that he truly did listen to God [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. This assertion reinforces his earlier defense, confirming that he spoke the truth about fulfilling the word of God precisely because he obeyed His voice [רד״ק].

Furthermore, Saul views the sheer success of the military campaign as undeniable proof of his innocence. Relying on the principle that those sent to perform a Commandment are protected from harm, he reasons that the smooth, unobstructed, and victorious nature of his mission proves that God blessed his path and that no sin was committed [אהבת יהונתן]. He remains resolute that he fulfilled the core purpose of his mission. In his view, the original command was directed first and foremost at the sinful Amalekite nation that had historically fought against Israel [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. He understood the instructions to imply a fundamental distinction between the Amalekite people and their king [אלשיך].

Because of this distinction, capturing the Amalekite king alive was not seen as a violation of God's orders, but rather as the ultimate symbol of total victory. Saul acted according to the custom of victorious monarchs, who would parade a defeated ruler as a captive to publicly humiliate him [אברבנאל]. The primary approach among commentators is that Saul emphasizes he never intended to set the captive free. The enemy ruler was brought back in chains, and the authority to execute him remained available at any moment. Bringing him alive into the land of Israel was simply a way to magnify the image of a comprehensive triumph. Ultimately, Saul seals his defense by pointing to the complete destruction of the Amalekite nation. By wiping out the people exactly as commanded, he firmly believes he has fully accomplished the mission and the exact purpose for which he was sent by God [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].