1 Samuel 15:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, I remember {H6485} that which Amalek {H6002} did {H6213} to Israel {H3478}, how he laid {H7760} wait for him in the way {H1870}, when he came up {H5927} from Egypt {H4714}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a decisive turning point in Saul's kingship, following earlier instances of his partial obedience and presumption, such as his unauthorized sacrifice in [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Samuel's Rebuke"). The divine command to utterly destroy Amalek, delivered through the prophet Samuel, serves as a direct and explicit test of Saul's complete submission to God's word. The narrative flow of 1 Samuel 15 is meticulously crafted to highlight God's sovereignty over human rulers and His demand for absolute fidelity, culminating in Saul's tragic rejection as king due to his failure to fully obey, a truth powerfully articulated in [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice"). This chapter thus functions as the climactic assessment of Saul's fitness to rule according to divine standards.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a formidable, nomadic people, descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), who inhabited the arid regions of the Negev and Sinai. Their initial, unprovoked offense, which God recalls in this verse, occurred shortly after Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egypt. At Rephidim, Amalek launched a cowardly and opportunistic attack on the weary and straggling rear guard of the Israelite camp ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim")). This act was particularly heinous because it targeted the most vulnerable, demonstrated a profound lack of fear of God, and directly opposed God's redemptive work for His people. Consequently, God swore to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Command to Blot Out Amalek")). The command to Saul in 1 Samuel 15 involves the concept of *herem*, or "devotion to destruction," a specific, divinely mandated act of judgment against peoples whose wickedness had reached a critical threshold, often involving complete eradication to prevent spiritual contamination of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Remembrance and Justice** is paramount, illustrating that God's memory is not a passive recollection but an active, covenantal resolve that leads to a just reckoning for past wrongs, even after centuries. Secondly, the **Consequences of Sin** are starkly displayed, demonstrating that actions, especially those perpetrated against God's chosen people or His divine plan, carry severe and lasting repercussions. Amalek's persistent hostility, detailed in passages like [Numbers 24:20](/numbers/24-20 "Numbers 24:20 - Balaam's Prophecy Against Amalek") and [Judges 3:13](/judges/3-13 "Judges 3:13 - Eglon and the Ammonites and Amalekites"), culminates in this ultimate judgment. Thirdly, the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command** is central, as God's explicit instruction to Saul serves as the ultimate test of his absolute submission to divine authority. Finally, the use of the majestic title "LORD of hosts" underscores God's **Sovereignty and Authority** as the supreme commander of all forces, both heavenly and earthly, capable of executing His will and judgments without fail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises. When used in conjunction with "of hosts," it highlights His supreme authority and power over all creation and all armies, affirming the absolute weight and divine origin of the command given to Saul.
* **remember (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** From H6485, this verb signifies more than simple recollection. In a divine context, _pâqad_ implies an active visitation, an accounting, or a calling to account. When God "remembers," it means He is now acting decisively to address a past event, bringing about judgment or blessing. Here, it denotes a long-delayed but certain act of divine justice and reckoning against Amalek for their ancient treachery.
* **laid (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** From H7760, this root verb, translated here as "laid wait," describes the treacherous and cowardly nature of Amalek's attack. It implies a deliberate positioning for an ambush, a deceptive and cruel assault rather than an honorable, open battle. This highlights the malicious intent and lack of integrity in Amalek's aggression, further justifying God's severe judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn divine oracle, a formal and authoritative declaration directly from God Himself. It establishes the absolute nature and divine origin of the message, leaving no room for human negotiation, questioning, or modification of the command that follows. It underscores that the ensuing words are not mere human counsel but a direct, unchallengeable decree from the sovereign God.
* **"I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel":** This clause reveals God's active, purposeful, and enduring memory. It is not a passive recollection but an active resolve to address a long-standing grievance. God's justice is not bound by human timelines; He holds nations accountable for their actions, and here, He brings to mind the specific, ancient transgression of Amalek against His chosen people, Israel, indicating that the time for reckoning has come.
* **"how he laid [wait] for him in the way":** This specifies the particularly heinous nature of Amalek's offense. The phrase "laid wait" denotes a treacherous ambush, a cowardly attack on the vulnerable and weary rather than an open, honorable confrontation. This detail emphasizes Amalek's malicious intent and their utter disregard for the sanctity of life and the laws of warfare, making their aggression especially reprehensible in God's sight.
* **"when he came up from Egypt":** This provides the crucial historical and redemptive context for Amalek's sin. The attack occurred when Israel was at its most vulnerable—recently freed from slavery, exhausted from their arduous journey through the wilderness, and utterly dependent on divine provision. This timing underscores Amalek's direct opposition to God's miraculous deliverance and their attempt to thwart His redemptive purposes for His people, making their act an affront to God Himself.

#### 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.

* [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim")
* [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Command to Blot Out Amalek")
* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness")

### 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
* **How does God's "remembrance" of Amalek's sin inform our understanding of divine justice in the face of unaddressed wrongs in our world today?**
* **What does Saul's subsequent failure to fully obey this command teach us about the nature of true obedience to God and the dangers of partial submission?**
* **In what ways might we, like Amalek, unwittingly or intentionally "lay wait" against God's people or His purposes, and what are the potential spiritual consequences of such opposition?**

### 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](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim")). 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](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Command to Blot Out Amalek")). 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](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2 - God's Command Regarding Amalek"), 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](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt")). 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](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). 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](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Believers, through faith in Christ, are delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), experiencing the spiritual fulfillment of God's decisive victory over all that opposes Him and His perfect will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 25:17

Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;

Deuteronomy 25:19

Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance to possess it, [that] thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget [it].

Exodus 17:8

¶ Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

Exodus 17:16

For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn [that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Numbers 24:20

And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek [was] the first of the nations; but his latter end [shall be] that he perish for ever.

Hosea 7:2

And they consider not in their hearts [that] I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.

Amos 8:7

The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.