1 Samuel 15:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now go {H3212} and smite {H5221} Amalek {H6002}, and utterly destroy {H2763} all that they have, and spare {H2550} them not; but slay {H4191} both man {H376} and woman {H802}, infant {H5768} and suckling {H3243}, ox {H7794} and sheep {H7716}, camel {H1581} and ass {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now go and attack 'Amalek, and completely destroy everything they have. Don't spare them, but kill men and women, children and babies, cows and sheep, camels and donkeys.'"

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 15:3 records a pivotal divine command delivered through the prophet Samuel to King Saul, instructing him to execute God's long-standing judgment against the Amalekites. This comprehensive directive called for the complete destruction of all Amalekite life – human and animal – as an act of *herem* warfare, signifying their utter devotion to God for destruction due to their persistent wickedness and historical enmity toward Israel. The command served as a critical test of Saul's obedience and fitness for kingship, highlighting the absolute nature of God's sovereign will and righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Saul's reign, following his anointing and initial victories, but preceding his definitive rejection as king. Chapter 15 opens with Samuel reminding Saul of God's commission to him to be king over Israel and immediately delivers this specific, non-negotiable command regarding the Amalekites. The narrative tension builds around Saul's response to this direct divine instruction. His subsequent partial obedience, detailed in [1 Samuel 15:9](/1_samuel/15-9 "1 Samuel 15:9 - Saul Spares Agag and the Best of the Livestock"), and the excuses he offers, lead directly to Samuel's pronouncement of God's rejection of Saul's kingship, culminating in the famous declaration that "to obey is better than sacrifice" in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice"). Thus, 1 Samuel 15:3 sets the stage for the dramatic downfall of Israel's first king.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a nomadic people, descendants of Esau ([Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Descendants of Esau")), who had a long and hostile history with Israel. Their most infamous act was ambushing the Israelites from the rear during their vulnerable exodus from Egypt, attacking the weak and stragglers ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). This unprovoked and cowardly attack led to a divine oath that God would "utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" ([Exodus 17:14](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14 - God's Oath Against Amalek"); [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). This command to Saul, centuries later, represents the fulfillment of that ancient divine decree. The practice of *herem* (devotion to destruction) was a specific form of warfare in the ancient Near East, often associated with divine judgment, where all spoils and life were dedicated to God, typically by complete destruction, to prevent defilement or appropriation. It was not a general license for warfare but a unique, divinely ordained act against particularly wicked nations whose sin had reached its full measure, posing an existential threat to God's covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** against persistent evil. The Amalekites' consistent enmity towards God's people and their inherent wickedness, spanning generations, brought about this comprehensive judgment. Secondly, it emphasizes the necessity of **Total Obedience** to God's explicit commands. The instruction to "utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not" leaves no room for human discretion or partial fulfillment, serving as a direct test of Saul's submission to divine authority. Thirdly, the **Severity of the Command** – including "man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass" – illustrates the comprehensive nature of the *herem* judgment, signifying a complete eradication of the Amalekite entity and their resources, preventing any future resurgence or defilement of Israel. Finally, this command serves as a crucial **Test of Kingship**, evaluating Saul's fitness to lead God's people by demonstrating his willingness to prioritize God's will above all else, even when it was difficult or counter-intuitive from a human perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nāḵāh'_):** This verb means "to strike, to hit, to beat, to kill." In the context of warfare, it often denotes a decisive blow or a fatal strike. Here, it initiates the action of combat, leading to the complete destruction commanded. It implies a direct, forceful engagement with the enemy.
* **Utterly destroy (Hebrew, _ḥāram'_):** This is a crucial term, often translated as "devote to destruction" or "put under the ban." It signifies setting something apart as sacred to God, often for complete destruction, especially in the context of warfare against those deemed irredeemably wicked. It's not merely physical annihilation but an act of consecration to God's judgment, removing the entity entirely from common use or existence. It implies a total, uncompromising elimination as an act of divine justice.
* **Spare them not (Hebrew, _ḥāmal'_):** This verb means "to pity, to spare, to have compassion." The negative command "spare them not" emphatically reinforces the absolute nature of the *herem* command. It leaves no room for mercy, sentimentality, or selective destruction, underscoring the severity and totality of God's judgment against the Amalekites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now go and smite Amalek":** This is a direct, imperative command from God through Samuel, initiating the military action. "Go" implies immediate deployment, and "smite" signifies the commencement of hostilities against a specific, long-standing enemy. The target, "Amalek," is clearly identified, recalling centuries of historical animosity and divine decree.
* **"and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not":** This clause defines the nature and scope of the military action. "Utterly destroy" (ḥāram) indicates a complete devotion to destruction, meaning nothing is to be taken as spoil or left alive. "All that they have" extends the command beyond just people to their possessions and livestock, ensuring no remnant or resource remains. "Spare them not" reinforces the absolute, uncompromising nature of the command, eliminating any possibility of partial obedience or human compassion overriding divine instruction.
* **"but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass":** This final, highly specific enumeration details the comprehensive nature of the *herem* judgment. It explicitly includes every category of life within the Amalekite society, from the most vulnerable (infants and sucklings) to the able-bodied, and all their valuable livestock. This level of detail emphasizes the totality of the judgment, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of the required destruction and ensuring the complete eradication of the Amalekite presence as a distinct entity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the gravity and totality of the divine command. **Enumeration** is prominently used in the latter part of the verse ("man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass"), meticulously listing every category of life to be destroyed. This detailed listing serves to emphasize the comprehensive and absolute nature of the *herem* judgment, leaving no room for misinterpretation or partial compliance. The strong, direct **Command Form** ("Now go and smite," "utterly destroy," "spare them not," "slay") conveys the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, highlighting the imperative of immediate and complete obedience. The repetition of the idea of "total destruction" through phrases like "utterly destroy" and "spare them not" creates a sense of **Emphasis**, underscoring the severity and finality of God's judgment against the Amalekites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This challenging passage reveals profound truths about God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty. While difficult for modern readers, it must be understood within the Old Testament context of God's specific judgments against nations whose wickedness had reached a full measure, posing a direct and persistent threat to the purity and survival of His covenant people, Israel, through whom the Messiah would come. This was not a general command for indiscriminate violence but a unique, divinely ordained act of *herem* warfare, fulfilling a long-standing oath against a people characterized by relentless evil and a foundational attack on God's chosen nation. It demonstrates God's righteous wrath against sin and His commitment to protect His redemptive plan, even through severe means, ensuring that evil does not utterly corrupt the world or derail His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Not for Your Righteousness")
* [Leviticus 27:29](/leviticus/27-29 "Leviticus 27:29 - Devoted Things")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Samuel 15:3 is undeniably one of the most difficult passages in the Bible, confronting readers with the stark reality of divine judgment and the severity of God's holiness. For contemporary believers, it compels us to grapple with the multifaceted nature of God, who is both love and consuming fire. It reminds us that sin, particularly persistent, generational wickedness that actively opposes God's purposes, carries severe consequences. While we live under the New Covenant, where God's ultimate judgment is revealed in Christ's atoning work and future return, this passage teaches us about the absolute necessity of obedience to God's revealed will, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural. Saul's failure to fully obey serves as a timeless warning against partial obedience, self-serving compromises, and prioritizing human reasoning or perceived piety over God's clear commands. It calls us to examine our own lives: where are we tempted to compromise God's word for convenience, comfort, or a desire for human approval? True faith trusts God's wisdom and justice, even when His ways are beyond our full comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical context of the Amalekites' actions against Israel change your perception of this command?**
* **What does Saul's partial obedience in this chapter teach us about the nature of true obedience to God?**
* **How do we reconcile the severity of this Old Testament judgment with God's character as revealed in the New Testament?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to offer "partial obedience" to God's commands?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command the killing of infants and animals?**

Answer: This is perhaps the most challenging aspect of the command. The inclusion of infants, women, and animals in the *herem* (devotion to destruction) command signifies the totality and finality of the divine judgment against the Amalekites. From a theological perspective, it ensured the complete eradication of a people group whose wickedness had reached an irredeemable level and who posed a persistent, existential threat to God's covenant people, Israel. The Amalekites were not just individuals but a collective entity defined by their deep-seated enmity towards God and His purposes, as evidenced by their unprovoked attack on the vulnerable Israelites during the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")) and their continued opposition. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the complete destruction of a defeated enemy, including their offspring and resources, was sometimes practiced to prevent future resurgence and to signify a definitive end to their lineage and threat. While morally abhorrent by modern standards, it was understood within that cultural context as a total act of divine justice, ensuring that the root of evil was completely removed and that no remnant could perpetuate their destructive influence or defile God's people. This was a unique, specific judgment, not a universal principle for warfare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 15:3 describes a severe act of divine judgment in the Old Testament, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in replicating such violence, but in understanding God's unwavering commitment to justice and the ultimate eradication of evil through the work of Jesus Christ. The *herem* judgment against Amalek foreshadows the definitive judgment against sin and evil that is accomplished and will be fully realized in Christ. Jesus, the true King, perfectly fulfilled God's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")), demonstrating ultimate obedience where Saul failed. Furthermore, Christ's work on the cross is the ultimate act of "utter destruction" of sin's power and the devil's works ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the Devil's Power"); [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared")). While the Old Testament judgment involved physical destruction, the New Testament emphasizes spiritual warfare and the ultimate triumph over spiritual enemies through Christ's victory. Believers are called to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body")) and to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God" ([2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Every Thought Captive")), reflecting a spiritual application of the principle of utterly destroying that which opposes God. Ultimately, the future return of Christ will bring the final and complete judgment against all evil, ushering in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"); [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")), fulfilling the ultimate divine intention to utterly remove all that is contrary to His holy character.

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 20:16

But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Deuteronomy 20:18

That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.

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.

Isaiah 14:21

Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.

Isaiah 14:22

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

Joshua 6:17

¶ And the city shall be accursed, [even] it, and all that [are] therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that [are] with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Joshua 6:21

And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.