1 Samuel 15:5

KJV

And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} came {H935} to a city {H5892} of Amalek {H6002}, and laid wait {H7378}{H693} in the valley {H5158}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul arrived at the city of 'Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.

Berean Standard Bible

Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.

American Standard Version

And Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:5 chronicles King Saul's initial, seemingly obedient, and strategically astute movement into Amalekite territory. This verse depicts Saul leading his army to a specific city of Amalek and positioning them to "lay wait in the valley," marking the decisive commencement of his campaign to execute God's explicit command for the utter destruction of this long-standing enemy of Israel. It sets the immediate stage for a crucial test of his kingship and his commitment to divine authority, foreshadowing the profound implications of his subsequent actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very outset of the execution of God's severe and absolute command to Saul concerning the Amalekites, as delivered through the prophet Samuel in [1 Samuel 15:1-3](/1_samuel/15-1-3 "1 Samuel 15:1-3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek"). The divine directive was unequivocal: to utterly destroy every living thing—man, woman, child, infant, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey. Saul's immediate action in this verse, mobilizing his army (as detailed in [1 Samuel 15:4](/1_samuel/15-4 "1 Samuel 15:4 - Saul Gathers His Army")) and advancing into Amalekite territory, initially demonstrates a commendable level of compliance. However, this initial display of obedience will soon be starkly contrasted by his subsequent partial obedience and outright disobedience, which are meticulously detailed in [1 Samuel 15:7-9](/1_samuel/15-7-9 "1 Samuel 15:7-9 - Saul's Partial Obedience") and ultimately lead to God's definitive rejection of him as king in [1 Samuel 15:10-23](/1_samuel/15-10-23 "1 Samuel 15:10-23 - Saul's Rejection as King"). Therefore, [1 Samuel 15:5](/1_samuel/15-5 "1 Samuel 15:5 - Saul's Advance to Amalek") serves as the critical starting point for Saul's tragic and pivotal failure as Israel's first monarch.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a persistent, nomadic, and deeply entrenched enemy of Israel, whose animosity dated back to the Exodus. Their initial treachery involved attacking the vulnerable and weary Israelites from the rear during their wilderness journey ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim")). This unprovoked and cowardly act earned them a perpetual divine curse, with God swearing to blot out their remembrance ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek's Treachery")). For Saul, Israel's newly anointed king, this campaign was far more than a mere military engagement; it was a profound and ultimate test of his obedience to Yahweh, who remained the true Sovereign of Israel. The "city of Amalek" likely refers to a significant settlement or stronghold, indicating a direct confrontation with their power base. The strategic choice to "lay wait in the valley" suggests a calculated military maneuver, possibly an ambush or a tactic to secure a decisive advantage over the enemy.

* **Key Themes:** This concise verse, despite its brevity, introduces several profound themes that are meticulously developed throughout the remainder of [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). Firstly, it immediately brings to the forefront the theme of **Obedience**, particularly distinguishing between superficial action and complete, wholehearted submission to divine command. Saul's initial military movement appears outwardly obedient, yet the unfolding narrative will tragically expose his fatal flaw of partial obedience. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as God, through Saul, initiates the long-decreed judgment against a nation characterized by persistent wickedness and unwavering opposition to His covenant people. This powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. Thirdly, it subtly touches upon the **Nature of Kingship in Israel**, emphasizing that the human king is not an autonomous ruler but is fundamentally intended to be God's faithful agent, governing strictly under divine authority. Saul's failure here will significantly redefine the expectations for Israel's future monarchy. Finally, the strategic act of "laying wait" subtly introduces the theme of **Human Strategy vs. Divine Command**, foreshadowing Saul's eventual reliance on his own fallible judgment and military cunning over God's explicit and non-negotiable instructions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** This verb (H935), while seemingly simple, signifies a purposeful and directed movement. In this context, it emphasizes Saul's intentional advance into the heart of Amalekite territory, indicating a direct and deliberate engagement with the divine command. It is not a casual journey but a decisive military march, underscoring his initial commitment to the mission.
* **laid wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** Derived from the primitive root (H693) meaning "to lurk" or "to set an ambush," this term denotes a calculated and strategic military maneuver. It suggests Saul was not planning a direct, frontal assault but a surprise attack or a tactical positioning to encircle or trap the Amalekites. This reveals Saul's military acumen and his reliance on conventional warfare strategies.
* **valley (Hebrew, _nachal'_):** This term (H5158) refers to a "stream" or "winter torrent," and by implication, a "narrow valley" through which such a brook runs. In ancient warfare, such a topographical feature was often a place of strategic importance, offering concealment, natural defenses, or pathways for flanking maneuvers. Saul's choice to "lay wait in the valley" indicates a deliberate selection of terrain for tactical advantage, highlighting his practical military leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul came to a city of Amalek":** This initial clause describes Saul's immediate and physical act of obedience to God's command. He has successfully mobilized his army and advanced deep into the enemy's territory, specifically targeting a significant Amalekite settlement. This demonstrates a direct and prompt response to Samuel's divine directive, indicating that Saul has taken the first necessary and crucial step towards fulfilling God's will.
* **"and laid wait in the valley":** This second clause reveals Saul's tactical approach to the impending battle. Rather than immediately engaging in a direct confrontation, he strategically positions his forces in a concealed or topographically advantageous location within a valley. This action showcases his military prudence and his clear intention to execute the divine command through a well-planned ambush or strategic encirclement, aiming for maximum effectiveness against the Amalekites.

#### Literary Devices
The verse subtly employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future developments. **Foreshadowing** is notably present in Saul's decision to "lay wait." While a perfectly sound military tactic in itself, it subtly hints at Saul's underlying reliance on human strategy and his own judgment, a characteristic that will later prove to be his fatal flaw when he selectively obeys God's explicit command. This tactical cunning, initially presented as a strength, thus becomes a precursor to his spiritual compromise and ultimate downfall. There is also a strong element of **Setting** at play, as the specific mentions of "a city of Amalek" and "the valley" meticulously establish the physical arena for the unfolding drama of obedience and disobedience. The choice of a valley for an ambush further adds a layer of **Irony** when contrasted with the absolute and non-negotiable nature of God's command; Saul's meticulous strategic planning, a hallmark of his human wisdom, will ultimately be overshadowed by his profound spiritual folly in failing to fully adhere to divine instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 15:5, though a simple descriptive verse, powerfully initiates a narrative that profoundly explores the nature of obedience to God. Saul's initial movement and strategic positioning appear to be acts of compliance, yet the broader context reveals that God demands not just outward conformity but complete, unreserved, and heart-felt obedience. This passage underscores that God's commands are not mere suggestions to be adapted by human wisdom or convenience, but absolute decrees that require full surrender. Saul's failure, stemming from his partial obedience, serves as a stark warning that even good intentions or partial fulfillment cannot compensate for outright disobedience in God's eyes. The theological implications extend to the understanding of divine authority: God's word is supreme, and true leadership, especially within a covenant relationship, is characterized by humble submission to His will, not by human negotiation or strategic modification.

* [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek's Treachery")
* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22-23 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To Do Righteousness and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly mundane verse offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Saul's initial step of obedience, coming to the city and laying wait, serves as a powerful reminder that the journey of faith often begins with a decisive and outward act of compliance. However, the subsequent narrative in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection") reveals a critical truth: initial obedience is never sufficient; true faithfulness demands complete, sustained, and wholehearted obedience, even when God's commands seem counter-intuitive, costly, or challenging from a human perspective. We are often tempted to "lay wait" in our own strategic "valleys," applying our own wisdom, modifying divine directives to fit our comfort, or prioritizing perceived efficiency over absolute adherence. This verse calls us to deeply examine the spirit of our obedience: Are we merely going through the motions, or are we truly submitting our will, our resources, our strategies, and our very hearts to God's explicit and uncompromised word? The ongoing spiritual battle against the "Amalek" in our lives – whether it be persistent sin, insidious idols, or worldly compromise – requires not just initial engagement but a relentless, full-orbed commitment to God's way, trusting implicitly that His commands are always for our ultimate good and His supreme glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to offer partial obedience to God, perhaps starting strong but failing to complete the task exactly as He commanded?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that consistently prioritizes complete and joyful obedience over personal convenience, perceived wisdom, or the desire for human approval and recognition?**
* **What "valleys" or strategic positions am I taking in my spiritual battles, and are these approaches truly aligned with God's explicit commands, or are they rooted in my own human cunning and self-reliance?**

### FAQ
**Why was God so harsh with the Amalekites, commanding their utter destruction?**

Answer: God's command for the *herem* (utter destruction) of the Amalekites was a severe act of divine judgment rooted in their long and persistent history of wickedness and unprovoked hostility towards Israel. Their sin was not an isolated incident but a pattern of deep-seated opposition to God's people and, by extension, to God Himself. They first attacked the Israelites when they were weak and vulnerable after the Exodus, ambushing the stragglers and the weary ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel at Rephidim")). This act demonstrated a profound lack of fear of God and a cruel disregard for human life. God had sworn to blot out the remembrance of Amalek ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek's Treachery")), and this command to Saul was the culmination of that long-standing divine decree, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's justice against unrepentant evil and a protective measure for His covenant people.

**Does "laid wait" imply a lack of faith on Saul's part, or was it a legitimate military tactic?**

Answer: At this specific point in [1 Samuel 15:5](/1_samuel/15-5 "1 Samuel 15:5 - Saul's Advance to Amalek"), "laid wait" (Hebrew: *ʼârab*) describes a legitimate and common military tactic of the time, signifying a strategic ambush or a planned engagement. It does not inherently imply a lack of faith in God's power. In fact, it showcases Saul's practical leadership and military acumen. However, within the broader narrative of [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"), Saul's increasing reliance on his own judgment and strategy *does* become problematic. His later decision to spare Agag and the best of the livestock, thinking he could improve upon God's explicit command for total destruction ([1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Utterly Destroy Amalek")), demonstrates a preference for his own wisdom over divine instruction. Thus, while the tactic itself was sound, it subtly foreshadows Saul's ultimate failure to submit his human wisdom completely to God's absolute and non-negotiable word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Saul's initial obedience and subsequent catastrophic failure in [1 Samuel 15:5](/1_samuel/15-5 "1 Samuel 15:5 - Saul's Advance to Amalek") and the surrounding context finds its profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Saul, as an earthly king, was tested by divine command and found tragically wanting; his kingship was ultimately marked by partial obedience, self-will, and a preference for human wisdom, leading to his rejection. In stark contrast, Jesus is the true and eternal King, whose entire life, from incarnation to crucifixion, was characterized by flawless and complete obedience to the Father's will. Unlike Saul, who sought to preserve what he deemed valuable from the spoils of war, Jesus "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Where Saul failed to execute God's judgment perfectly against a physical enemy, Christ perfectly executed God's ultimate judgment against sin itself, not by destroying others, but by offering Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilling the righteous demands of God's law and demonstrating the ultimate act of obedience. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus established a kingdom not based on human strategy or partial obedience, but on divine righteousness and complete submission to the Father, offering eternal life and true freedom to all who believe in 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.