1 Samuel 15:2-3

2 Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel ¹in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt.

3 Now go and strike Amalek and ²devote to destruction^[a] all that they have. Do not spare them, ³but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey. ’”

1 Samuel 15:2-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 15

In this chapter are recorded the order Saul had from the Lord to destroy Amalek utterly, 1Sa 15:1-3 the preparation he made to put it in execution, and the success thereof, 1Sa 15:4-9 the offence the Lord took at his not obeying his order thoroughly, with which Samuel was made acquainted, and which grieved him, 1Sa 15:10,11, upon which he went out to meet Saul, and reprove him; and a long discourse upon the subject passed between them, the issue of which was, that by an irrevocable decree he was rejected from being king, 1Sa 15:12-31 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Samuel's hewing in pieces Agag king of Amalek, and of his final departure from Saul, 1Sa 15:32-35.

Cross References

• 1. 15:2 See Ex. 17:8-16; Deut. 25:17-19
• 2. 15:3 Lev. 27:28, 29; Josh. 6:17, 21
• 3. 15:3 [ch. 22:19]

Footnotes

• [a] 15:3 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verses 8, 9, 15, 18, 20, 21