Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honour me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the LORD your God.” So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul bowed before the LORD.
Then Samuel said, “Bring here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites.” And Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” And Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Comment: What follows seems to be a sham show put on for the people. Saul acknowledges his sin but still wants standing before the elders of Israel and he makes a bow before God. God sees the outward bow but knows the heart on the inside!
Agag’s cheerful greeting doesn’t stop him ending up as minced meat. Samson departs from Saul never to see him again until after Saul’s death, but he is heart-wrenched at the behaviour of Saul but God doesn’t change His mind. Would you expect Him to do so?
Prayer: Teach me to be careful to pray for the leaders of Your church and the leaders of our land, O God.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry on your comments on this passage. A very sad indictment on Saul’s life, from God, and from Samuel. May I point out that in the last paragraph you wrote “Samson departed from Saul…” but I’m sure you meant “Samuel departed from Saul…” God bless you.
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Yes…saw that too. Computers have a way of typing what they want!!! However, I was shocked to read that Samuel killed Agag! I’ve obviously read that before but it did not sink in!!! (I have a few lines highlighted) The NIV is not so graphic as the version you are using Barry. The Bible does not sugar coat….tells it how God intended.
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