1 Samuel 15:18
And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלָֽחֲךָ֥
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלָֽחֲךָ֥
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּדָ֑רֶךְ
thee on a journey
H1870
בְּדָ֑רֶךְ
thee on a journey
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 15
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לֵ֣ךְ
H1980
לֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְהַֽחֲרַמְתָּ֞ה
and utterly destroy
H2763
וְהַֽחֲרַמְתָּ֞ה
and utterly destroy
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
6 of 15
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
the Amalekites
H6002
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
the Amalekites
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
10 of 15
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
עַ֥ד
H5704
עַ֥ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
13 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
The Hebrew charam ('utterly destroy' or 'devote to destruction') described holy war where everything was dedicated to God through destruction. Captured spoil belonged to the LORD, not the victors. Taking spoil from charam warfare was stealing from God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding commands as divine judgment affect our willingness to obey completely?
- What is at stake when we modify clear divine instructions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
Samuel recounts the mission: 'the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.' Three elements emphasize completeness: 'utterly destroy' (charam), 'fight against them,' and 'until they be consumed.' The Amalekites are labeled 'sinners' - their destruction was divine judgment, not arbitrary violence. Saul's role was executioner of divine verdict. The command left no room for the selective obedience Saul practiced.