I am writing this on my phone on a ferry.
I am for better or worse struck with the amusing thought that genocide is a very difficult task. Perhaps, you find it less amusing than I do but I am struck by the sheer difficulty of the task rather than it's horror. Not to diminish or negate it's horror but just to think about it a in a different way. It's difficult, literally, very challenging. This is precisely because it demands absolute destruction and total annihilation, not partial, not mostly but absolutely complete. I think history bears out what I am saying, while there are occasions of attempted genocide I think there are few successful executions, if successful is the right word.
In thinking about this I draw upon my experience as an auto detailer. Auto detailing is like a genocidal war against dirt - every particle of dirt and dust is sought to be ruthlessly eliminated with chemical, scrub brushes, vacuums, steam, air, q-tips, and tooth brushes. These last two instrument highlight why it is called detailing as well as the incredible challenge of an absolute task. The problem is some one always survives. Even mass sucides, with ensured participation by armed guards have people who manage to hide or escape...
So we appear to have a theocratically ordered genocide and a failure to comply on the part of Saul. However, I'm not sure if the reason God is so upset with Saul a few verses later is disobedience or failure per se so much as what his particular transgression reveals. Instead of total annihilation the king, Agag, and some choice cattle are spared. Saul, didn't spare, children or puppies and I don't think God is upset because his blood lust wasn't satisfied. Rather, Saul's exceptions betray a selfishness and a lack of trust. Saul the king, has come to believe that kings are special. Perhaps, he also sees the political ramifications of killing a king. If Israel is later defeated by not killing Agag he is increasing the likelihood that he would not be killed even if all Israel is destroyed. This selfish attitude of Saul was also demonstrated by his refusal to fight Goliath. The king was supposed to be one of the people, for all of the people. The king was supposed help the people follow God and was therefore an inherently priestly role. A priest, represents God. Yahweh is revealed as one who fights for his people and provides. Saul fails both to represent Yahweh or trust Yahweh and instead hedges his bets.
Faith, like love doesn't work when one is hedging bets. Faith and love are participation in relationship with absolute. Despite the impossibility of the task it is our commitment to the relationship above our selves that gives everything meaning.
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