Saul’s second confession of sin makes it clear that his primary concern was with the opinion of the people rather than the Lord. He did not want to lose face before the elders since he thought they were his source of political power.1 He was a man who walked by sight. If Samuel returned with him, he could proceed with the sacrifices in a way that suggested God’s approval.2 In everything, Saul had not listened to Samuel, he continued to act as if the Lord could and would be appeased with formal religion.
30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the LORD your God.”