1 Samuel 15:33
And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ל
be childless
H7921
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ל
be childless
Strong's:
H7921
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
חַרְבֶּ֔ךָ
As thy sword
H2719
חַרְבֶּ֔ךָ
As thy sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
6 of 17
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
כֵּן
H3651
כֵּן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ל
be childless
H7921
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ל
be childless
Strong's:
H7921
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
אִמֶּ֑ךָ
so shall thy mother
H517
אִמֶּ֑ךָ
so shall thy mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
10 of 17
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
15 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Judges 1:7And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.Genesis 9:6Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.Matthew 7:2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.Revelation 18:6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.Revelation 16:6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Historical Context
The phrase 'before the LORD' indicates this was a sacred execution, completing the holy war requirement. Gilgal's association with covenant renewal makes it fitting for this act of covenantal obedience. Samuel's violent action seems shocking but fulfilled divine command.
Questions for Reflection
- How does measure-for-measure justice operate in divine judgment?
- What does Samuel's completion of Saul's neglected duty teach about prophetic responsibility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
Samuel's pronouncement - 'As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women' - applies lex talionis (measure-for-measure justice). Agag's violence against Israelite mothers returns upon his own. The execution phrase 'Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal' uses the Hebrew shasa ('hewed' or 'cut in pieces') indicating violent, complete destruction. Samuel completes the charam that Saul neglected. The prophet performs the royal duty the king refused.