TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
Complete Jewish Bible
Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: 'I remember what 'Amalek did to Isra'el, how they fought against Isra'el when they were coming up from Egypt.
Berean Standard Bible
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they ambushed them on their way up from Egypt.
American Standard Version
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him in the way, when he came up out of Egypt.
World English Bible Messianic
Thus says the LORD of Hosts, ‘I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way, when he came up out of Egypt.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus saith the Lord of hostes, I remember what Amalek did to Israel, howe they laide waite for the in ye way, as they came vp from Egypt.
Young's Literal Translation
`Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, I have looked after that which Amalek did to Israel, that which he laid for him in the way in his going up out of Egypt.
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 15 verses 1–9
1 ¶ Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
4 And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
6 And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.
8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Here, I. Samuel, in God's name, solemnly requires Saul to be obedient to the command of God, and plainly intimates that he was now about to put him upon a trial, in one particular instance, whether he would be obedient or no, Sa1 15:1. And the making of this so expressly the trial of his obedience did very much aggravate his disobedience. 1. He reminds him of what God had done for him: "The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be a king. God gave thee thy power, and therefore he expects thou shouldst use thy power for him. He put honour upon thee, and now thou must study how to do him honour. He made thee king over Israel, and now thou must plead Israel's cause and avenge their quarrels. Thou art advanced to command Israel, but know that thou art a subject to the God of Israel and must be commanded by him." Men's preferment, instead of releasing them from their obedience to God, obliges them so much the more to it. Samuel had himself been employed to anoint Saul, and therefore was the fitter to be send with these orders to him. 2. He tells him, in general, that, in consideration of this, whatever God commanded him to do he was bound to do it: Now therefore hearken to the voice of the Lord. Note, God's favours to us lay strong obligations upon us to be obedient to him. This we must render, Psa 116:12.
II. He appoints him a particular piece of service, in which he must now show his obedience to God more than in any thing he had done yet. Samuel premises God's authority to the command: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the Lord of all hosts, of Israel's hosts. He also gives him a reason for the command, that the severity he must use might not seem hard: I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, Sa1 15:2. God had an ancient quarrel with the Amalekites, for the injuries they did to his people Israel when he brought them out of Egypt. We have the story, Exo 17:8, etc., and the crime is aggravated, Deu 25:18. He basely smote the hindmost of them, and feared not God. God then swore that he would have war with Amalek from generation to generation, and that in process of time he would utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek; this is the work that Saul is now appointed to do (Sa1 15:3): "Go and smite Amalek. Israel is now strong, and the measure of the iniquity of Amalek is now full; now go and make a full riddance of that devoted nation." He is expressly commanded to kill and slay all before him, man and woman, infant and suckling, and not spare them out of pity; also ox and sheep, camel and ass, and not spare them out of covetousness. Note, 1. Injuries done to God's Israel will certainly be reckoned for sooner or later, especially the opposition given them when they are coming out of Egypt. 2. God often bears long with those that are marked for ruin. The sentence passed is not executed speedily. 3. Though he bear long, he will not bear always. The year of recompence for the controversy of Israel will come at last. Though divine justice strikes slowly it strikes surely. 4. The longer judgment is delayed many times the more severe it is when it comes. 5. God chooses out instruments to do his work that are fittest for it. This was bloody work, and therefore Saul who was a rough and severe man must do it.
III. Saul hereupon musters his forces, and makes a descent upon the country of Amalek. It was an immense army that he brought into the field (Sa1 15:4): 200,000 footmen. When he came to engage the Philistines, and the success was hazardous, he had but 600 attending him, Sa1 13:15. But now that he was to attack the Amalekites by express order from heaven, in which he was sure of victory, he had thousands at his call. But, whatever it was at other times, it was not now for the honour of Judah that their forces were numbered by themselves, for their quota was scandalously short (whatever was the reason), but a twentieth part of the whole, for they were by 10,000, when the other ten tribes (for I except Levi) brought into the field 200,000. The day of Judah's honour drew near, but had not yet come. Saul numbered them in Telaim, which signifies lambs. He numbered then like lambs (so the vulgar Latin), numbered them by the paschal lambs (so the Chaldee), allowing ten to a lamb, a way of numbering used by the Jews in the later times of their nation. Saul drew all his forces to the city of Amalek, that city that was their metropolis (Sa1 15:5), that he might provoke them to give him battle.
IV. He gave friendly advice to the Kenites to separate themselves from the Amalekites among whom they dwelt, while this execution was in doing, Sa1 15:6. Herein he did prudently and piously, and, it is probable, according to the direction Samuel gave him. The Kenites were of the family and kindred of Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, a people that dwelt in tents, which made it easy for them, upon every occasion, to remove to other lands not appropriated. Many of them, at this time, dwelt among the Amalekites, where, though they dwelt in tents, they were fortified by nature, for they put their nest in a rock, being hardy people that could live any where, and affected fastnesses, Num 24:21. Balaam had foretold that they should be wasted, Num 24:22. However, Saul must not waste them. But, 1. He acknowledges the kindness of their ancestors to Israel, when they came out of Egypt. Jethro and his family had been very helpful and serviceable to them in their passage through the wilderness, had been to them instead of eyes, and this is remembered to their posterity many ages after. Thus a good man leaves the divine blessing for an inheritance to his children's children; those that come after us may be reaping the benefit of our good works when we are in our graves. God is not unrighteous to forget the kindnesses shown to his people; but they shall be remembered another day, at furthest in the great day, and recompensed in the resurrection of the just. I was hungry, and you gave me meat. God's remembering the kindness of the Kenites' ancestors in favour to them, at the same time when he was punishing the injuries done by the ancestors of the Amalekites, helped to clear the righteousness of God in that dispensation. If he entail favours, why may he not entail frowns? He espouses his people's cause, so as to bless those that bless them; and therefore so as to curse those that curse them, Num 24:9; Gen 12:3. They cannot themselves requite the kindnesses nor avenge the injuries done them, but God will do both. 2. He desires them to remove their tents from among the Amalekites: Go, depart, get you down from among them. When destroying judgments are abroad God will take care to separate between the precious and the vile, and to hide the meek of the earth in the day of his anger. It is dangerous being found in the company of God's enemies, and it is our duty and interest to come out from among them, lest we share in their sins and plagues, Rev 18:4. The Jews have a saying, Woe to the wicked man and woe to his neighbour.
V. Saul prevailed against the Amalekites, for it was rather an execution of condemned malefactors than a war with contending enemies. The issue could not be dubious when the cause was just and the call so clear: He smote them (Sa1 15:7), utterly destroyed them, Sa1 15:8. Now they paid dearly for the sin of their ancestors. God sometimes lays up iniquity for the children. They were idolaters, and were guilty of many other sins, for which they deserved to fall under the wrath of God; yet, when God would reckon with them, he fastened upon the sin of their ancestors in abusing his Israel as the ground of his quarrel. Lord, How unsearchable are thy judgments, yet how incontestable is thy righteousness!
VI. Yet he did his work by halves, Sa1 15:9. 1. He spared Agag, because he was a king like himself, and perhaps in hope to get a great ransom for him. 2. He spared the best of the cattle, and destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. Many of the people, we may suppose, made their escape, and took their effects with them into other countries, and therefore we read of Amalekites after this; but that could not be helped. It was Saul's fault that he did not destroy such as came to his hands and were in his power. That which was now destroyed was in effect sacrificed to the justice of God, as the God to whom vengeance belongeth; and for Saul to think the torn and the sick, the lame and the lean, good enough for that, while he reserved for his own fields and his own table the firstlings and the fat, was really to honour himself more than God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Commentary on Samuel
These things saith the Lord of hosts: I have reckoned, etc. An appropriate preface urging spiritual warfare, so that He who would command to engage in this should be known as the Lord of hosts; that is, of the angelic armies, by whose help we must be protected while fighting against the powers of the air. Egypt, which signifies darkness, represents past sins which followed us up to the sea of baptism but were drowned in it. But Amalek, who resisted Israel after crossing the Red Sea on the way through the desert, and whose name translates to "brutish people," signifies those sins which, after the waves of baptism, daily assail us with their weapons, striving to prevent us from reaching the promised kingdom of the heavenly homeland; so that we do not preserve the fruit of our hearts in sanctification, attempting to rip it away with deadly temptation. All these we are ordered to utterly destroy and show no mercy to; that is, put away everything for which the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language from your mouth, and such like.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:2 presents a solemn divine declaration from the "LORD of hosts" to King Saul, initiating a critical command concerning the Amalekites. This verse powerfully reveals God's active and enduring memory, recalling the unprovoked and treacherous ambush by Amalek against the vulnerable Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His intention to address a long-standing grievance, setting the stage for a pivotal test of Saul's obedience and the unfolding consequences of divine judgment.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is Divine Oracle, immediately signaled by the majestic opening formula, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts." This phrase serves to authenticate the message as a direct, authoritative utterance from God, elevating the ensuing command to an unchallengeable decree. Anthropomorphism is evident in the phrase "I remember," where God is attributed with the human-like faculty of memory. This device helps human readers grasp God's active awareness and unwavering commitment to justice, conveying that His knowledge of past wrongs is not forgotten but leads to decisive action. Furthermore, the verse powerfully sets the stage for Retribution Theology, a pervasive theme throughout the Old Testament. The recalling of Amalek's ancient sin directly preceding the command for their destruction clearly illustrates this principle: actions, especially those against God or His people, inevitably lead to commensurate divine consequences.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His active remembrance of all deeds, both good and evil. It demonstrates that divine justice, though it may appear delayed from a human perspective, is never forgotten and will ultimately be executed according to God's perfect timing. God's "remembering" is an active, covenantal act, signifying His intention to intervene and bring about a righteous reckoning. This principle assures believers that God sees all injustices and will, in His perfect timing, bring about His righteous judgment. It also highlights the profound and lasting consequences of sin, particularly that which opposes God's purposes or His people, underscoring the seriousness with which God views such transgressions and His ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of nations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 15:2 serves as a profound reminder of God's perfect justice and His active involvement in human history. For believers today, it instills confidence that no wrong goes unnoticed by God, and that His timing for justice is perfect, even when it seems delayed. This should comfort those who suffer injustice, knowing that the "LORD of hosts" is a God who remembers and will act. Conversely, the verse also underscores the gravity of sin and its far-reaching consequences, urging us to consider the impact of our actions, not only on others but also in the sight of a holy God. Saul's subsequent failure to fully obey this command highlights the critical importance of complete and immediate obedience to God's revealed will, reminding us that partial obedience is still disobedience in God's eyes. Our response to God's commands should be one of humble submission, trusting in His wisdom and righteousness, rather than attempting to rationalize, modify, or selectively apply His directives for our own perceived benefit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God command such a severe judgment against Amalek, including women and children?
Answer: The command to utterly destroy Amalek, known as herem (devotion to destruction), was a specific, unique divine judgment, not a general command for warfare. Amalek's sin was not merely a single act of aggression but a persistent, unprovoked, and spiritually hostile opposition to God's people from the very beginning of their journey from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16). They consistently acted as an embodiment of evil, seeking to thwart God's redemptive purposes for Israel and showing no fear of God (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). This judgment was against a nation that had become a spiritual cancer, a pervasive threat to the holiness and survival of God's covenant people, and thus to the lineage through which the Messiah would come. The inclusion of women and children in the herem was a tragic but necessary aspect of eradicating the entire lineage and preventing any future resurgence of their particular brand of evil, ensuring the complete removal of a spiritual and physical threat to God's plan. It highlights the severity of God's holiness and His ultimate justice against entrenched, systemic evil.
What does "LORD of hosts" mean?
Answer: "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is one of the most significant and frequently used titles for God in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books and the historical narratives of Samuel. The term "hosts" (Sabaoth) can refer to celestial armies (angels) or earthly armies, as well as the entire created order. Therefore, "LORD of hosts" signifies God's supreme authority as the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces. It emphasizes His omnipotence, His role as the divine warrior who fights for His people, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. In the context of 1 Samuel 15:2, this majestic title underscores that the command delivered to Saul is not merely a human directive but an authoritative decree from the all-powerful God who controls all armies and is perfectly capable of executing His will and judgments without fail.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 15:2 speaks of God's specific judgment against Amalek, a physical enemy of ancient Israel, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual victory achieved through Jesus Christ. The "LORD of hosts," who actively remembers and justly judges the ancient foe, is ultimately revealed in Christ as the one who definitively conquers all spiritual enemies. Amalek, representing persistent, malicious opposition to God's people and His redemptive plan, finds its ultimate and complete defeat in the work of Christ. Just as God swore to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek," so too does Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, "blot out" the record of our sins, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). He is the true King and ultimate warrior, not leading physical armies, but conquering sin, death, and the devil through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The judgment on Amalek, a specific act of divine herem, points to the final and complete eradication of evil at the return of Christ, when every enemy will be put under His feet and He will reign supreme (1 Corinthians 15:25). Believers, through faith in Christ, are delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into His glorious kingdom (Colossians 1:13), experiencing the spiritual fulfillment of God's decisive victory over all that opposes Him and His perfect will.