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1 Samuel 15:2

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Samuel 15:2 opens with a solemn declaration from God to King Saul, setting the stage for a crucial command regarding the Amalekites. This verse reveals God's long memory and unwavering commitment to justice, recalling an ancient wrong committed against His people.

Context of the Verse

This verse comes at a pivotal moment in Saul's reign, marking a divine test of his obedience. The "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth), a title emphasizing God's supreme authority and power over armies, delivers a direct message. The specific event God recalls is the unprovoked and cowardly attack by the Amalekites on the Israelites during their vulnerable journey through the wilderness shortly after their deliverance from Egypt. This treacherous act, detailed in Exodus 17:8-16, involved striking the weary and straggling at the rear of the Israel's camp, showing a profound disrespect for God and His people. Because of this egregious sin, God had sworn to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Remembrance and Justice: The phrase "I remember" signifies more than mere recollection; it implies active intent to address a long-standing grievance. God's justice may seem delayed, but it is never forgotten. This highlights a core attribute of God: His perfect righteousness and commitment to uphold what is right.
  • Consequences of Sin: The Amalekites' ancient sin, marked by cruelty and a lack of fear of God, now brings forth a severe judgment. This illustrates the principle that actions, especially those against God's purposes or people, have lasting consequences, even across generations.
  • God's Sovereignty and Authority: The command is issued by the "LORD of hosts," underscoring that God is the ultimate commander of all forces, spiritual and physical. His decrees are absolute and demand immediate, complete obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is significant. It emphasizes God's power as the commander of heavenly armies and earthly forces, highlighting His ability to execute His will and judgments. The phrase "I remember" (Hebrew: pakad) carries the weight of divine accountability, indicating that God is now "visiting" or "calling to account" for the Amalekites' past actions.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Samuel 15:2 offers several insights:

  • God's Justice is Sure: We can trust that God sees all injustices and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice. This can be a source of comfort when facing wrongs.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: This verse reminds us that sin, particularly that which opposes God's people or His will, has profound and lasting consequences. It underscores the need for repentance and seeking God's forgiveness.
  • The Importance of Obedience: While the specific command to Saul was unique to his historical context, the underlying principle of complete obedience to God's revealed will remains timeless. Saul's subsequent failure to fully obey this command leads to significant repercussions for his kingship, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 25:17 (16 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 25:19 (16 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

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

  • Exodus 17:16 (11 votes)

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

  • Numbers 24:20 (11 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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