1 Samuel 15:2

2 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: 'I witnessed^[a] what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them along the way as they were coming out of Egypt.^[b]

1 Samuel 15:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 15:2

Thus saith the Lord of hosts
Of the celestial host of angels, and of the army of Israel, yea, of all the armies of the earth: this is premised to engage the attention of Saul:

I remember that which Amalek did to Israel;
four hundred years ago:

how he laid wait for him in the way when he came up from Egypt;
in the valley of Rephidim, just before they came to Mount Sinai, and fell upon the rear of them, and smote the feeble, and faint, and weary, see ( Exodus 17:8 ) ( Deuteronomy 25:17-19 )

1 Samuel 15:2 In-Context

1 Samuel told Saul, "The Lord sent me to anoint you as king over His people Israel. Now, listen to the words of the Lord.

2 This is what the Lord of Hosts says: 'I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them along the way as they were coming out of Egypt.

3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and completely destroy everything they have. Do not spare them. Kill men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.' "

4 Then Saul summoned the troops and counted them at Telaim: 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men from Judah.

5 Saul came to the city of Amalek and set up an ambush in the wadi.

Footnotes

• [a] LXX reads I will avenge
• [b] Ex 17:8-16; Nm 24:20; Dt 25:17-19