### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂgag**, represented by `{{H90}}`, is a title for Amalekitish kings. It appears **8 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The name itself is of uncertain derivation but is consistently associated with the royal line of Amalek, an enemy of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼĂgag** is primarily featured in the account of King Saul's disobedience. The prophet Balaam first mentions the name in a prophecy, foretelling that a future Israelite king's power will be "higher than **Agag**" [[Numbers 24:7]]. Later, King Saul is commanded by the LORD to utterly destroy the Amalekites. However, Saul disobeys by taking **Agag** the king of the Amalekites alive [[1 Samuel 15:8]] and sparing the best of the animals [[1 Samuel 15:9]]. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul attempts to justify his actions, claiming he has "brought **Agag** the king of Amalek" as a spoil of a successful mission [[1 Samuel 15:20]]. The narrative concludes with Samuel ordering **Agag** to be brought to him. Believing the danger had passed, **Agag** came "delicately," saying, "Surely the bitterness of death is past" [[1 Samuel 15:32]]. Samuel then executed God's judgment himself, hewing **Agag** in pieces before the LORD [[1 Samuel 15:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context to the story of Agag:
* `{{H6002}}` **ʻĂmâlêq** (Amalek): This refers to the posterity and country of Amalek, the perennial enemies of Israel. Agag is identified as the **king** of **Amalek** [[1 Samuel 15:20]], and the entire nation was subject to a divine ban of destruction.
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (Saul): As the king of Israel, **Saul** was the one entrusted with God's command to destroy Amalek. His decision to spare Agag was a pivotal act of disobedience [[1 Samuel 15:9]].
* `{{H2550}}` **châmal** (to spare): This word captures the essence of Saul's failure. Despite God's command not to **spare** them [[1 Samuel 15:3]], Saul and the people **spared** Agag and the best of the livestock [[1 Samuel 15:9]].
* `{{H2763}}` **châram** (utterly destroy): This term defines the specific nature of the judgment decreed against Amalek. Saul was to **utterly destroy** all the people [[1 Samuel 15:8]], a command he only partially fulfilled.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H90}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating key principles of divine authority and human responsibility.
* **The Necessity of Complete Obedience:** The account is a stark lesson in the importance of obeying God fully. Saul's partial obedience, sparing **Agag** and the best of the animals, was considered rebellion. Samuel's declaration, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" [[1 Samuel 15:22]], underscores that God desires full compliance over ritualistic observance.
* **The Inescapability of Divine Judgment:** Though Saul failed to carry out the sentence, God's judgment against Amalek and its king was not thwarted. Samuel's execution of **Agag** demonstrates that God's justice will be fulfilled [[1 Samuel 15:33]].
* **The Sovereignty of God's Chosen King:** Balaam's prophecy that Israel's king would be "higher than **Agag**" [[Numbers 24:7]] establishes a divine hierarchy. It showed that despite the earthly power of rulers like **Agag**, God's anointed leader would ultimately be exalted and his kingdom supreme.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂgag** `{{H90}}` is more than the name of an individual; it represents the pinnacle of Amalekite power that stood in opposition to God's people. The story of Agag serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of disobedience, the certainty of divine judgment, and the ultimate supremacy of the LORD's will and His chosen king. The events surrounding Agag mark the turning point in Saul's reign and affirm that full obedience is the only acceptable response to God's command.
TRV