Saul ignores the ban on spoils on places Yahweh designated for total destruction.

## the edge of the sword ##

The phrase, "the edge of the sword," here represents the army of the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

## Saul...spared Agag ##

Saul disobeyed God by letting Agag live.

## as well as the best of the sheep... ##

Saul disobeyed God by keeping the best of the livestock.