1 Samuel 15:3

Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.'"

Study Bible

Now go
The phrase "Now go" is a direct command from God to Saul, indicating urgency and divine authority. The Hebrew word for "go" is "לֵךְ" (lekh), which is an imperative form, emphasizing immediate action. This command reflects God's sovereign will and the expectation of obedience from His chosen leader. In the broader biblical narrative, God often calls His people to action, requiring faith and trust in His plans.

attack the Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, historically known as persistent enemies of Israel. The Hebrew root for "Amalekites" is "עֲמָלֵק" (Amalek), which is associated with hardship and toil. Historically, the Amalekites first attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), and God declared perpetual enmity against them. This command to attack is not merely a military directive but a fulfillment of divine justice against a people who opposed God's purposes.

devote to destruction
The phrase "devote to destruction" is translated from the Hebrew word "חֵרֶם" (cherem), which means to ban, exterminate, or consecrate for destruction. This concept is rooted in the idea of something being set apart for God, often through complete destruction, as a form of divine judgment. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate evil. This act was meant to purify the land and demonstrate God's justice.

all that belongs to them
This phrase indicates the totality of the destruction commanded by God. The Hebrew word "כֹּל" (kol) means "all" or "everything," signifying that nothing was to be spared. This comprehensive destruction was intended to remove any trace of Amalekite influence and prevent future corruption of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of complete obedience to God's commands.

Do not spare them
The command "Do not spare them" reinforces the totality of the judgment. The Hebrew word "תַּחְמֹל" (tachmol) means "to spare" or "to have compassion." In this context, it highlights the necessity of carrying out God's judgment without personal bias or emotional interference. It challenges believers to prioritize God's will above human sentiment, recognizing His perfect justice.

put to death men and women, children and infants
This difficult command reflects the severity of God's judgment against the Amalekites. The inclusion of "men and women, children and infants" emphasizes the complete eradication of the Amalekite identity. While challenging to understand, it serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the lengths to which God will go to protect His covenant people. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and the need for redemption through Christ.

oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys
The inclusion of "oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys" in the command to destroy highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment. These animals represented wealth and sustenance, and their destruction signified the total dismantling of the Amalekite society. It serves as a reminder that material possessions and earthly wealth are fleeting and that obedience to God is of utmost importance. This command also underscores the principle that nothing should be kept that could lead to future disobedience or idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Samuel
The prophet who conveys God's message to Saul, representing God's authority and guidance.

3. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe and long-standing enemies of Israel, known for their opposition to God's people.

4. Amalek
The region or people group that Saul is commanded to destroy completely as an act of divine judgment.

5. God's Command
The divine directive given to Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites as a form of judgment for their past sins against Israel.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The command to destroy the Amalekites underscores the severity of sin and God's judgment against persistent rebellion.

Obedience to God
Saul's failure to fully obey God's command serves as a warning about the consequences of partial obedience.

Divine Justice
God's command reflects His justice and sovereignty, reminding us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.

Historical Context
Understanding the historical enmity between Israel and Amalek provides insight into the gravity of God's command.

Spiritual Warfare
The Amalekites can be seen as a symbol of spiritual enemies that believers must confront and overcome through obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to destroy the Amalekites reflect God's justice and holiness?

2. In what ways can Saul's partial obedience serve as a warning for our own spiritual walk?

3. How does the history of the Amalekites' opposition to Israel inform our understanding of this passage?

4. What are some modern-day "Amalekites" or spiritual battles that we face, and how can we apply God's command to "devote to destruction" in a spiritual sense?

5. How do other scriptures about obedience and sacrifice (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22-23) deepen our understanding of this passage and its application to our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
This passage recounts the first encounter between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
God commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to erase their memory once they have rest from their enemies.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's rebuke of Saul for his disobedience highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice.

Esther 3:1
Haman, an Agagite, is a descendant of the Amalekites, showing the continued enmity between Israel and Amalek.