The Old Testament is a book that teaches us the concrete acts of God on our behalf.  In fact, in the Old Testsment we can observe the saving activity of God up close and personal.  God demands to be obeyed.  He does not tolerate discussion or distortion of his Word.  Those who think to twist the demands of God to fit their world view find themselves at odds with God.  Saul believed that he could satisfy God with partial obedience and he found that playing with God's will led to his downfall and ruin.