Editing King Shaul (section)

== His Spiritual Essence ==
Shaul's spiritual level and root was from the inner dimension of Binah which is above being clothed in the world, as it is written about him "he hid among the vessels," meaning he was above being clothed in the vessels of the world, and therefore had mercy on Agag who was not worthy.

Since he was from the level of Binah which operates according to reason and knowledge, he therefore offered sacrifices from the spoils of Amalek, because at his level he understood the greatness of sacrifices that reach until Ein Sof, and thought that the more that comes from below, the higher it would ascend. Therefore he told Shmuel: "I have fulfilled the word of Hashem," meaning he wanted to cause an elevation and ascent in the sefirah of Malchut which is called "the word of Hashem," through refining that which is below.

But the truth was (as Shmuel told him), that since this was against Hashem's will it did not accomplish any elevation but rather the opposite.

Shaul's kingship was meant to be a preparation for the kingship of King David.