The God of the Bible equates disobedience to witchcraft. Clear instructions were given to King Saul to "attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys." (1 Samuel 15:3)
King Saul, instead of executing the instruction to the letter, decides to save King Agag's life and to bring back with him the best of the sheep and the cattle, allegedly for sacrifice and blames it on his men. When quizzed by prophet Samuel about his assignment, he lies on top of it - thus adding injury to insult.
For doing as he pleased rather than obey God's instructions, King Saul lost his throne.
The prophet rebuked the king thus: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord." (1 Sam 15:22); Prophet Samuel did not mince his words: "To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For disobedience is like the sin of divination (witchcraft) and arrogance the evil of idolatry." (v. 23)
Here's the final verdict: "Because you (King Saul) have rejected the Word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king." (v.23b) Harsh words!
Lesson drawn: Put God's instructions first place. Our opinion, analysis or judgement on the matter cannot match God's infinite WISDOM.
Just trust and obey!
