READ: Joshua 11:18-23
“But if ye will not…those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides…” – Numbers 33:55
Saul was a classic example of one who thought he was wiser than God and could compensate for his disobedience. No sacrifice, no matter how big is acceptable to God if it is done in disobedience. Read the Bible. There are many sacrifices that God is not pleased with (Isaiah 1:11). God is not against sacrifice, but He wants your obedience first.
Joshua had a clear mandate from the Lord to wipe out all the heathen nations in the Promised Land. It was explained to him that disobeying this command would result in these very nations becoming a snare to the Israelites.
However, Joshua left the heathen in three key cities. He obeyed God everywhere except in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod. Read it for yourself. It is very interesting to note the three groups of people that Joshua left alive gave birth to a significant enemy of the people of God. The Lord foresaw this and that is why He gave that instruction.
These cities became the breeding grounds for future enemies. The city of Gath produced Goliath. Delilah, who was a thorn in Samson’s flesh, was from Gaza. The god Dagon, into whose temple the Ark of the Covenant was taken, was in the land of Ashdod. These enemies lived to fight God’s people and no one has ever forgotten about these three evil agents.
Perhaps, by your disobedience, you are giving birth to future enemies of God. A sacrifice will not prevent the emergence of future enemies; obedience will.