1 Samuel 28:18
Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Because
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Because
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֙עְתָּ֙
thou obeyedst
H8085
שָׁמַ֙עְתָּ֙
thou obeyedst
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 19
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשָֽׂה
done
H6213
עָשָֽׂה
done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אַפּ֖וֹ
wrath
H639
אַפּ֖וֹ
wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
upon Amalek
H6002
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק
upon Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
10 of 19
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
13 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
עָשָֽׂה
done
H6213
עָשָֽׂה
done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 Kings 20:42And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.1 Samuel 15:9But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Historical Context
The Amalekite campaign (1 Samuel 15) was explicitly designed to execute divine judgment for Amalek's attack on Israel at the Exodus. Saul's sparing of Agag and the best spoils was presented as honoring God but actually elevated human judgment above divine command.
Questions for Reflection
- What acts of partial obedience have you rationalized as acceptable?
- How does this passage clarify the nature of true obedience versus selective compliance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Samuel identifies the specific sin that sealed Saul's fate: failure to execute divine judgment on Amalek (chapter 15). The Hebrew 'lo shama'ta beqol YHWH' (you did not obey the voice of the LORD) echoes Samuel's earlier rebuke. The phrase 'fierce wrath' (Hebrew: 'charon-'af') indicates intense divine anger requiring expression through judgment. Saul's partial obedience, sparing Agag and the best livestock, constituted complete disobedience. This principle reverberates through Scripture: obedience must be whole, not selective.