1 Samuel 15:32

Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites." Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, "Surely the bitterness of death is past."

Study Bible

Then Samuel said
The phrase begins with the prophet Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history, acting under divine authority. Samuel's role as a prophet and judge is crucial, as he serves as God's mouthpiece. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a declaration or command, emphasizing the authority and seriousness of Samuel's words. This moment underscores the transition from divine instruction to human action, highlighting the weight of obedience to God's commands.

Bring me Agag
The command to bring Agag, the king of the Amalekites, is significant. Agag represents the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. The Hebrew name "Agag" (אֲגַג) may denote a royal title rather than a personal name, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt. This request by Samuel is not merely a call for a meeting but a summons to divine justice, reflecting the fulfillment of God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites due to their opposition to Israel (Exodus 17:14-16).

king of the Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, historically known for their hostility towards Israel. Their enmity is first recorded during the Exodus when they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. The term "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) signifies Agag's authority and leadership over a people who were under divine judgment. This context highlights the seriousness of Saul's failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites, as instructed in 1 Samuel 15:3.

Agag came to him cheerfully
Agag's demeanor, described as "cheerfully," is intriguing. The Hebrew word used here (מַעֲדַנּוֹת, ma'adannot) can imply a sense of ease or confidence, suggesting Agag's belief that he might escape death. This reflects a misunderstanding or underestimation of the gravity of his situation and the divine justice that Samuel represents. Agag's attitude contrasts sharply with the somber reality of his impending judgment.

for he thought
This phrase introduces Agag's internal reasoning. The Hebrew verb "thought" (אָמַר, 'amar) is the same as "said" earlier, indicating an internal dialogue or assumption. Agag's thoughts reveal a false sense of security, perhaps based on past experiences where captured kings were spared or ransomed. This highlights the human tendency to misjudge divine justice and the seriousness of sin.

Surely the bitterness of death is past
Agag's assumption that "the bitterness of death is past" reflects a belief that the danger has subsided. The word "bitterness" (מַר, mar) conveys the harshness and severity of death, often associated with divine judgment. Agag's presumption is tragically misplaced, as he fails to recognize the unyielding nature of God's command and the inevitability of divine justice. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the certainty of God's righteous judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was instrumental in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, he is executing God's judgment on Agag, the Amalekite king.

2. Agag
The king of the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. Agag's cheerful approach to Samuel suggests he believed he would be spared, despite God's command for his destruction.

3. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that frequently opposed Israel. They were descendants of Esau and were known for their hostility towards the Israelites, particularly during the Exodus.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often in conflict with surrounding nations, including the Amalekites. This event is part of Israel's ongoing struggle to follow God's commands fully.

5. The Event
This passage is part of a larger account where King Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites, leading to Samuel's intervention to fulfill God's judgment.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God’s Commands
This passage underscores the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions. Partial obedience is disobedience in God's eyes.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's failure to fully execute God's command led to his rejection as king. This teaches us that disobedience can have severe consequences in our spiritual lives.

God’s Justice and Mercy
While God is merciful, He is also just. The destruction of the Amalekites was a fulfillment of divine justice, reminding us of the balance between God's mercy and justice.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role in this account highlights the importance of prophets in guiding and correcting God's people. It reminds us to heed godly counsel and correction.

The Deceptiveness of Sin
Agag's cheerful demeanor reflects a false sense of security that sin can create. We must be vigilant and not be deceived by temporary reprieves from judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samuel's role in this passage reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can partial obedience to God be a temptation in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the account of Agag and the Amalekites challenge our understanding of God's justice and mercy?

4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's disobedience that apply to our personal walk with God?

5. How can we ensure that we are not deceived by a false sense of security in our spiritual lives, similar to Agag's attitude?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
This passage recounts the first battle between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek. This sets the stage for the events in 1 Samuel 15.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
God commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory, reinforcing the divine mandate that Saul failed to complete.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's rebuke of Saul for his disobedience highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, a key theme in understanding the gravity of Saul's failure.