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 opens with a solemn divine declaration from the "LORD of hosts" to King Saul, initiating a crucial command concerning the Amalekites. This verse reveals God's long and active memory, recalling the unprovoked and treacherous attack 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 consequences of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a critical juncture in Saul's reign, following his earlier acts of disobedience (e.g., offering a sacrifice without Samuel in [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Samuel's Rebuke")). The command to utterly destroy Amalek serves as a direct, explicit test of Saul's obedience to God's word, delivered through the prophet Samuel. It is a decisive moment that will determine the future of Saul's kingship, culminating in his rejection as king due to his partial obedience, as detailed later in [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice"). The narrative flow emphasizes God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and His demand for complete fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12), who inhabited the Negev and Sinai regions. Their initial offense, recalled in this verse, occurred shortly after Israel's deliverance from Egypt, when Amalek launched an unprovoked and cowardly attack on the weary and straggling Israelites at Rephidim ([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 and demonstrated a profound lack of fear of God, who had just miraculously delivered Israel. 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," which was a specific, divinely mandated act of judgment against peoples whose wickedness had reached a critical point, often involving complete eradication to prevent spiritual contamination of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Remembrance and Justice** is central, highlighting that God's memory is not passive but active, leading to a just reckoning for past wrongs, even after centuries. Secondly, the **Consequences of Sin** are starkly displayed, illustrating that actions, especially those against God's 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 final judgment. Thirdly, the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command** is paramount, as God's explicit instruction to Saul serves as a test of his absolute submission to divine authority. Finally, the use of the title "LORD of hosts" underscores God's **Sovereignty and Authority** as the supreme commander of all forces, capable of executing His will and judgments without fail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Sabaoth_):** This powerful divine title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all armies, both heavenly (angelic hosts) and earthly. It portrays Him as the divine warrior, the commander of cosmic and military forces, highlighting His omnipotence and His ability to execute His sovereign will and judgments. In this context, it underscores the absolute nature of the command given to Saul.
* **I remember (Hebrew, _pakad_):** The verb _pakad_ signifies more than mere recollection. It 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 divine reckoning, a long-delayed but certain act of justice against Amalek for their ancient treachery.
* **laid wait (Hebrew, _sum_):** The phrase "laid wait" (or "laid ambush") describes a treacherous and cowardly act. It refers to the Amalekites' unprovoked attack on the vulnerable rear of the Israelite camp, targeting the weak and weary. This was not an honorable battle but a deceptive and cruel assault, further justifying God's severe judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle, a formal declaration from God Himself. It establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the message, leaving no room for negotiation or questioning of the command that follows. It signifies that the ensuing words are not human counsel but a direct, authoritative decree from the sovereign God.
* **"I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel":** This clause reveals God's active and purposeful 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 transgression of Amalek against His chosen people, Israel.
* **"how he laid [wait] for him in the way":** This specifies the nature of Amalek's offense. The phrase "laid wait" denotes a treacherous ambush, a cowardly attack on the vulnerable rather than an open confrontation. This detail underscores the particularly heinous nature of Amalek's aggression, highlighting their lack of honor and their malicious intent against a people under divine protection.
* **"when he came up from Egypt":** This provides the crucial historical context for Amalek's sin. The attack occurred when Israel was most vulnerable—recently freed from slavery, exhausted from their journey, and dependent on divine provision. This timing emphasizes Amalek's utter disregard for God's miraculous deliverance and their direct opposition to God's redemptive purposes for His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, signaled by the majestic opening, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the message. This formula elevates the command to an unchallengeable decree. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "I remember," where God is attributed with a human-like faculty of memory. This device helps human readers grasp God's active awareness and commitment to justice, conveying that His knowledge of past wrongs is not forgotten but leads to decisive action. Furthermore, the verse sets the stage for **Retribution Theology**, a pervasive theme in the Old Testament, where actions (especially those against God or His people) lead to commensurate consequences. The recalling of Amalek's ancient sin directly preceding the command for their destruction clearly illustrates this principle of divine judgment.

### 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. 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.

* [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 or modify His directives.

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

### 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 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 Samuel. The term "hosts" (Sabaoth) can refer to celestial armies (angels) or earthly armies. 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 title underscores that the command to Saul is not merely a human directive but an authoritative decree from the all-powerful God who controls all armies and is capable of executing His will perfectly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 15:2 speaks of God's judgment against Amalek, a physical enemy, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual victory achieved through Jesus Christ. The "LORD of hosts," who remembers and 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 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 ([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 ([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 kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), experiencing the spiritual fulfillment of God's victory over all that opposes Him.

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.