This portion happened during the times of Samuel the prophet. He was told to anoint Saul as king over the Jewish people in Israel. Samuel had told Saul that G-d has sent me to anoint you over the people of Israel. He continued to tell him that he needs to listen to G-d's words as king. G-d told Saul through Samuel to recall what the tribe Amalek had done to Israel when they had left the bondage of Egypt. (Story of Passover) In the Torah portion BeShalach in the book of Shemos (Exodus) it is written that Amalek arrived and attacked the Jewish people in Rephidim. They initiated this battle and had allied with other nations to attack the Jewish people. The Jewish people were tired and weak they had just escaped the slavery of Egypt. The people of Amalek surprised them like an ambush and took them while they were not aware. Moses had told Joshua that you will do battle against Amalek after this occurrence. Joshua was Moses' assistant. Moses proceeded to the top of a hill with Aaron and Chur. (Chur was Miriam's son.... Miriam was Mose's sister) Moses had taken a staff in his hand. He informed Joshua, that as long as he held his hands up it was a sign that the battle was being won. Moses informed Joshua that if he would put his hands down than it was a sign that the battle was being lost. When Moses hands became tired Aaron and Chur took a stone and placed it under him so that he could sit on it. Joshua was successful in this battle but G-d had told Moses that this event should be written as a reminder for future generations. That one day this group will be totally obliterated. Moses than built an alter and named it G-d is my miracle. Moses also said that G-d's hands will be at war with Amalek for all generations.

Saul didn't do as he was told. He was told that his people couldn't keep anything and that everything should be destroyed. He captured the kind of Amalek and destroyed everything except the best of the cattle and everything else that had a high value. It was because of this blunder that the kingdom was taken away from Saul. The kingdom was given to another Jewish king.