Shaul and Amalek

The imperative to destroy Amalek has to follow the divine directive. By sparing the sheep, Shaul inserts personal considerations into the fulfillment of the commandment. He also runs the risk of desecrating God's name, because one might assume that the nation waged war against Amalek only for the loot they gained. Shaul believes wholeheartedly that he has observed God's commandment; he fails to understand that by giving in to the nation who requests the cattle he has failed as a king and leader. Generations later Mordekhai amends this error by avoiding the loot that is offered to the Jews.