1 Samuel 15:6

And he warned the Kenites, "Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them." So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.

Study Bible

And Saul said to the Kenites
The Kenites were a nomadic tribe with historical ties to the Israelites, particularly through Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, who was a Kenite. The Hebrew root for "Kenites" (קֵינִי, Qeyniy) suggests a people associated with metalworking, which aligns with their nomadic and industrious nature. Saul's address to them highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring past alliances and kindnesses, a principle deeply rooted in the covenantal relationships seen throughout the Old Testament.

Go, depart, get down from among the Amalekites
This command from Saul is both a warning and an act of mercy. The Hebrew verbs used here convey urgency and immediacy, emphasizing the need for the Kenites to separate themselves from the impending judgment on the Amalekites. Historically, the Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, and God's command to Saul was to completely destroy them. Saul's directive to the Kenites underscores the biblical theme of separation from evil and the importance of aligning oneself with God's people.

so that I do not destroy you with them
Saul's intention to spare the Kenites reflects a just and discerning leadership, recognizing the difference between the guilty and the innocent. The Hebrew word for "destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachath) often implies a complete and utter ruin, which was the fate decreed for the Amalekites. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's justice, which is both severe and fair, sparing those who are righteous or have shown righteousness in the past.

for you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up from Egypt
The Kenites' kindness is a reference to their assistance and peaceful relations with the Israelites during the Exodus. The Hebrew word for "kindness" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is rich with meaning, often translated as loving-kindness or covenantal loyalty. This act of kindness is remembered and rewarded, illustrating the biblical principle that God honors those who bless His people, as seen in His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3.

So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites
The Kenites' obedience to Saul's warning is immediate and wise. Their movement away from the Amalekites signifies a conscious decision to align with God's will and His people. This action reflects the biblical call to discernment and the importance of heeding divine warnings. It also serves as a metaphor for the believer's journey, moving away from sin and towards righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel, tasked with executing God's judgment on the Amalekites.

2. Kenites
A nomadic tribe that had shown kindness to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. They were descendants of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law.

3. Amalekites
A people who were enemies of Israel and had attacked them during their journey from Egypt. God commanded their destruction due to their persistent hostility.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by Saul in this context, tasked with carrying out God's command against the Amalekites.

5. Egypt
The land from which the Israelites were delivered, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Mercy
God's command to destroy the Amalekites demonstrates His justice against sin and rebellion. However, His sparing of the Kenites shows His mercy towards those who align themselves with His people.

The Importance of Obedience
Saul's actions in sparing the Kenites highlight the importance of discerning and obeying God's specific instructions. Partial obedience is not true obedience.

The Role of Kindness
The Kenites' past kindness to Israel resulted in their preservation. This underscores the biblical principle that acts of kindness and support for God's people are remembered and rewarded by God.

Separation from Sin
The Kenites' departure from the Amalekites serves as a metaphor for believers to separate themselves from sinful influences and align with God's purposes.

Historical Continuity
The account connects past events (Exodus) with present actions (Saul's campaign), showing the continuity of God's plan and the importance of historical faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the treatment of the Kenites in 1 Samuel 15:6 reflect God's character as both just and merciful?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separating from sinful influences in our own lives, as demonstrated by the Kenites' departure from the Amalekites?

3. How does the account of the Kenites' kindness to Israel encourage us to support and bless others, especially those within the community of faith?

4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's obedience in this instance, and how does it contrast with his later actions in the chapter?

5. How does the connection between the Kenites and Israel illustrate the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to those who align themselves with His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
The Amalekites' attack on Israel during their journey from Egypt, which led to God's pronouncement of judgment against them.

Judges 1:16
The Kenites' association with Israel and their settlement in the land, highlighting their ongoing relationship with God's people.

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants, which is reflected in the Kenites' favorable treatment.

Numbers 24:20
Balaam's prophecy concerning the eventual downfall of the Amalekites, reinforcing the divine judgment carried out in 1 Samuel 15.