Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 15:22

22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice : and to hearken , than the fat of rams .

Because Obedience to God is a Moral Duty, constantly and indispensably necessary; but Sacrifice is but a Ceremonial Institution, sometimes unnecessary, as it was in the Wilderness; and sometimes sinful, when it is offered by a polluted hand, or in an irregular manner. Therefore thy gross Disobedience to Gods express command, is not to be compensated with Sacrifice.

i. e. To obey, as hearing is oft used in Scripture.

Then the choicest part of all the Sacrifice, to wit, the Fat, which was appropriated to God, Levit. 3. 16. Whereas the Offerer might partake of other parts of it.

Marginal references: Psal. 50. 8, 9. Isa. 1. 11.; Eccles. 5. 1. Hos. 6. 6. Matth. 5. 24. and 9. 13. and 12. 7.