Because his army was starting to scatter, Saul wanted to get on with the offerings so that he could proceed to the next step in the battle against the Philistines.1 He was more concerned about ritual (which somehow had to earn God’s favour) than about submitting to the directions he received from God’s prophet.2 Though not explicitly mentioned, it is likely that Saul asked an accompanying priest to bring the sacrifices rather than doing it all himself.3
9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.