And he warned the Kenites, "Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them." So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. And he warned the KenitesSaul, the first king of Israel, is the one issuing the warning. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe with historical ties to the Israelites. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, was a Kenite, which established a friendly relationship between the two groups. This warning reflects the importance of honoring alliances and past kindnesses, a principle seen throughout the Old Testament. “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt
The Kenites' kindness refers to their support and guidance during Israel's exodus from Egypt. This act of kindness is recorded in Exodus 18, where Jethro advises Moses on leadership. The Kenites' positive relationship with Israel is a testament to the enduring impact of hospitality and support, which is a recurring theme in biblical narratives. go on and get away from the Amalekites
The Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, first attacking them in Exodus 17. God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites as a form of divine judgment for their opposition to Israel. The Kenites are advised to separate themselves to avoid sharing in the Amalekites' fate, illustrating the biblical principle of separating from those under God's judgment. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them
This phrase underscores the seriousness of God's command to Saul and the impending judgment on the Amalekites. It highlights the concept of collective judgment, where proximity to sin or sinners can lead to shared consequences, a theme also seen in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites
The Kenites' obedience to Saul's warning demonstrates wisdom and discernment. Their action reflects the biblical principle of heeding divine warnings and separating from evil influences. This decision preserved their lives and maintained their favorable relationship with Israel, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God's protection over those who align with His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel, tasked with executing God's judgment on the Amalekites. 2. KenitesA nomadic tribe that had shown kindness to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. They were descendants of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. 3. AmalekitesA people who were enemies of Israel and had attacked them during their journey from Egypt. God commanded their destruction due to their persistent hostility. 4. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, led by Saul in this context, tasked with carrying out God's command against the Amalekites. 5. EgyptThe land from which the Israelites were delivered, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. Teaching Points God's Justice and MercyGod's command to destroy the Amalekites demonstrates His justice against sin and rebellion. However, His sparing of the Kenites shows His mercy towards those who align themselves with His people. The Importance of ObedienceSaul's actions in sparing the Kenites highlight the importance of discerning and obeying God's specific instructions. Partial obedience is not true obedience. The Role of KindnessThe Kenites' past kindness to Israel resulted in their preservation. This underscores the biblical principle that acts of kindness and support for God's people are remembered and rewarded by God. Separation from SinThe Kenites' departure from the Amalekites serves as a metaphor for believers to separate themselves from sinful influences and align with God's purposes. Historical ContinuityThe account connects past events (Exodus) with present actions (Saul's campaign), showing the continuity of God's plan and the importance of historical faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the treatment of the Kenites in 1 Samuel 15:6 reflect God's character as both just and merciful? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separating from sinful influences in our own lives, as demonstrated by the Kenites' departure from the Amalekites? 3. How does the account of the Kenites' kindness to Israel encourage us to support and bless others, especially those within the community of faith? 4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's obedience in this instance, and how does it contrast with his later actions in the chapter? 5. How does the connection between the Kenites and Israel illustrate the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to those who align themselves with His people? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17The Amalekites' attack on Israel during their journey from Egypt, which led to God's pronouncement of judgment against them. Judges 1:16The Kenites' association with Israel and their settlement in the land, highlighting their ongoing relationship with God's people. Genesis 12:3God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants, which is reflected in the Kenites' favorable treatment. Numbers 24:20Balaam's prophecy concerning the eventual downfall of the Amalekites, reinforcing the divine judgment carried out in 1 Samuel 15. People Agag, Amalek, Amalekites, Havilah, Israelites, Kenites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Ramah, Shur Desert, TelaimTopics Along, Amalek, Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Aside, Consume, Depart, Departed, Destroy, Destruction, Egypt, Israelites, Kenite, Kenites, Ken'ites, Kind, Kindness, Leave, Lest, Midst, Moved, Overtake, Saul, Shewed, Showed, Sons, Turn, Turneth, Withdraw, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 15:6 6672 grace, in relationships
8291 kindness 1 Samuel 15:1-23 8752 false worship Library Saul Rejected
'Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11. It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following Me, and hath not performed My commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night. 12. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 13. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLetter iv to the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He commends himself to their prayers. To the very dear Lord and Reverend father Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy brethren who are with him, Brother Bernard of Clairvaux offers his humble service. In the first place, when lately I approached your parts, I was prevented by unfavourable circumstances from coming to see you and to make your acquaintance; and although my excuse may perhaps be satisfactory to you, I am not able, I confess, …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The New Covenant.
"Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High-priest, Who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high-priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this High-priest also have somewhat to offer. Now if He were on earth, He would not be a Priest at all, seeing there are those who offer …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 15:6 NIV1 Samuel 15:6 NLT1 Samuel 15:6 ESV1 Samuel 15:6 NASB1 Samuel 15:6 KJV
1 Samuel 15:6 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
