Samuel recalled the words that Saul had spoken to him before he was anointed as king (1 Samuel 9:21). Despite being from a small tribe with little political support, he was, nevertheless, ordained as king. He was responsible to the Lord. He was meant to lead the way in godly and righteous living (see Deuteronomy 17:18–20). Listening to the voice of the people did not excuse his disobedience.1 He was responsible for the fact that the animals had been spared.
17 And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel.