1 Samuel 15:18

and sent you on a mission, saying, 'Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.'

Study Bible

And He sent you on a mission
The phrase "He sent you" underscores the divine authority and command behind the mission. In Hebrew, the word for "sent" is שָׁלַח (shalach), which conveys a sense of dispatching with purpose and authority. This highlights the seriousness of the task given to Saul by God through the prophet Samuel. The "mission" (מִשְׁלָחָה, mishlachah) implies a divinely ordained task, emphasizing that Saul's actions were not merely military but were a fulfillment of God's will. This sets the stage for understanding the gravity of Saul's disobedience later in the chapter.

saying, ‘Go and completely destroy
The command "Go" (לֵךְ, lech) is an imperative, indicating urgency and immediacy. "Completely destroy" translates the Hebrew word חָרַם (charam), which means to devote to destruction or to ban. This term is often used in the context of holy war, where certain things are set apart for God, either for destruction or for sacred use. The use of this term indicates that the Amalekites were under divine judgment, and their destruction was a form of divine justice.

the sinful Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, historically known for their hostility towards Israel. The term "sinful" (חַטָּא, chatta) highlights their moral and spiritual corruption. Historically, the Amalekites first attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), and their actions were seen as a direct affront to God’s people. This enmity is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 25:17-19, where God commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory. The Amalekites symbolize persistent opposition to God's purposes, and their destruction is portrayed as a necessary act of divine retribution.

Fight against them until you have wiped them out
The command to "fight" (נִלְחַם, nilcham) is a call to engage in battle, reflecting the physical and spiritual struggle against forces opposed to God. The phrase "until you have wiped them out" (כָּלָה, kalah) implies total annihilation, leaving no survivors. This reflects the completeness of the judgment decreed by God. The historical context reveals that partial obedience, as later demonstrated by Saul, is tantamount to disobedience. The command underscores the importance of following God's instructions fully, as partial obedience can lead to unintended consequences and further disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who commands and guides His people.

2. Samuel
The prophet who conveys God's message to Saul, the first king of Israel.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God, who is given the mission to destroy the Amalekites.

4. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe, historically enemies of Israel, known for their opposition to God's people.

5. Mission
The divine command given to Saul to execute God's judgment on the Amalekites.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
God's instructions are clear and require full obedience. Partial obedience is disobedience.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's failure to fully execute God's command led to his rejection as king. Disobedience has serious consequences.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God’s command to destroy the Amalekites reflects His justice and sovereignty. He judges nations and individuals according to His righteous standards.

The Importance of Listening to God’s Voice
Like Saul, we are called to listen and act on God’s word. Ignoring His voice leads to spiritual downfall.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
Samuel’s role as a prophet was to guide and correct. Spiritual leaders today are called to uphold God’s truth and guide others in obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's mission to destroy the Amalekites reflect God's justice and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can partial obedience in our lives lead to consequences similar to those Saul faced?

3. How can we ensure that we are listening to and obeying God's voice in our daily decisions?

4. What role do spiritual leaders play in guiding us towards obedience, and how can we support them in this role?

5. How does the account of Saul and the Amalekites challenge us to trust in God's timing and justice, especially when dealing with our own "enemies"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
This passage recounts the first encounter between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
God commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to destroy them when they have rest from their enemies.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's rebuke of Saul for his disobedience highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice.

Romans 12:19
This verse emphasizes leaving vengeance to God, aligning with the idea that God’s commands are just and purposeful.