And Samuel said, has 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.
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Athanasius the Apostolic
AD 373
Samuel, that great man, no less clearly reproved Saul, saying, “Is not the word better than a gift?” For hereby one fulfills the law and pleases God, as he says, “The sacrifice of praise shall glorify me.” Let one “learn what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice,” and I will not condemn the adversaries. - "Festal Letter 19.5"
Moreover, the prophets indicate in the fullest manner that God did not stand in need of their slavish obedience but that it was on their own account that he enjoined certain observances in the law. And again, that God did not need their oblation but [merely demanded it], on account of the one who offers it, the Lord taught distinctly, as I have pointed out. For when he perceived that they were neglecting righteousness, and abstaining from the love of God, and imagining that God was to be propitiated by sacrifices and the other typical observances, Samuel spoke thus to them: “God does not desire whole burnt offerings and sacrifices, but that his voice is obeyed. Behold, a ready obedience is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” - "Against Heresies 4.17.1"
