1 Samuel 15:3

1 Samuel 15:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

King James Version KJV

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

American Standard Version ASV

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Go now and put Amalek to the sword, putting to the curse all they have, without mercy: put to death every man and woman, every child and baby at the breast, every ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Free Bible Version FBV

Go and attack the Amalekites and exterminate all of them. Don't spare anyone, but kill every man, woman, child, and baby; every ox, sheep, camel, and donkey.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe therefore goe, and sinite Amalek, and destroy ye all that perteyneth vnto them, and haue no compassion on them, but slay both man and woman, both infant and suckling, both oxe, and sheepe, both camell, and asse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Now, go, and thou hast smitten Amalek, and devoted all that it hath, and thou hast no pity on it, and hast put to death from man unto woman, from infant unto suckling, from ox unto sheep, from camel unto ass.'

World English Bible WEB

Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don’t spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and nursing baby, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now therefore go, and smite Amalec, and utterly destroy all that he hath: spare him not, nor covet any thing that is his: but slay both man and woman, child and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Translation for Translators T4T

So now go with your army and attack the Amalek people-group. Destroy them completely—destroy them and everything that belongs to them—the men and women, their children and infants, their cattle and sheep and camels and donkeys. Do not ◄spare any of them/allow any of them to remain alive►!’”

Plain English Version PEV

So, Saul, I want you mob to go and kill the Amalek mob dead. Burn everything that belongs to them. Kill everything until there’s nothing left. Kill the men, women, kids, babies, bulls, cows, sheep, camels, and donkeys too. Kill everything. That’s the way you have to give them all to me.’”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַתָּה֩ לֵ֨ךְ וְ/הִכִּֽיתָ֜ה אֶת עֲמָלֵ֗ק וְ/הַֽחֲרַמְתֶּם֙ אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר ל֔/וֹ וְ/לֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ל עָלָ֑י/ו וְ/הֵמַתָּ֞ה מֵ/אִ֣ישׁ עַד אִשָּׁ֗ה מֵֽ/עֹלֵל֙ וְ/עַד יוֹנֵ֔ק מִ/שּׁ֣וֹר וְ/עַד שֶׂ֔ה מִ/גָּמָ֖ל וְ/עַד חֲמֽוֹר

עַתָּה֩ ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

לֵ֨ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms

וְ/הִכִּֽיתָ֜ה nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֲמָלֵ֗ק ʻĂmâlêq H6002 Amalek N-proper

וְ/הַֽחֲרַמְתֶּם֙ châram H2763 to devote/destroy Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תַחְמֹ֖ל châmal H2550 to spare V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וְ/הֵמַתָּ֞ה mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

מֵ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אִשָּׁ֗ה ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs

מֵֽ/עֹלֵל֙ ʻôwlêl H5768 infant Prep | N-ms

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep

יוֹנֵ֔ק yânaq H3243 to suckle V-Qal

מִ/שּׁ֣וֹר shôwr H7794 cattle Prep | N-ms

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep

שֶׂ֔ה seh H7716 sheep N-cs

מִ/גָּמָ֖ל gâmâl H1581 camel Prep | N-ms

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep

חֲמֽוֹר chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:3

עַתָּה֩ ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

לֵ֨ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

וְ/הִכִּֽיתָ֜ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֲמָלֵ֗ק ʻĂmâlêq H6002 "Amalek" N-proper

Amalek was a descendant of Esau and the ancestor of a tribe in southern Canaan. The Amalekites were enemies of the Israelites, as seen in the story of Exodus and 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.12; son of: Eliphaz (H0464) and Timna (H8555); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073) and Korah (H7141H) § Amalek = "dweller in a valley" 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan 2) descendants of Amalek

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Amalek. See also: Genesis 36:12; Judges 10:12; Psalms 83:8.

וְ/הַֽחֲרַמְתֶּם֙ châram H2763 "to devote/destroy" Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.

Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תַחְמֹ֖ל châmal H2550 "to spare" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.

Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.

עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וְ/הֵמַתָּ֞ה mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

מֵ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

אִשָּׁ֗ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

מֵֽ/עֹלֵל֙ ʻôwlêl H5768 "infant" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a young child or infant, often describing a baby or toddler. It is used in the Bible to describe the early stages of life.

Definition: child, boy

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: babe, (young) child, infant, little one. See also: 1 Samuel 15:3; Jeremiah 44:7; Psalms 8:3.

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

יוֹנֵ֔ק yânaq H3243 "to suckle" V-Qal

To suckle or nurse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also means to give milk. It describes the act of nursing a child.

Definition: 1) to suckle, nurse, suck 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to suck 1a2) suckling, babe (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give suck to, nurse 1b2) nursing, nursing woman, nurse (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling). See also: Genesis 21:7; 2 Chronicles 22:11; Psalms 8:3.

מִ/שּׁ֣וֹר shôwr H7794 "cattle" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

שֶׂ֔ה seh H7716 "sheep" N-cs

This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.

Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.

מִ/גָּמָ֖ל gâmâl H1581 "camel" Prep | N-ms

A camel, used for riding or carrying loads, is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable animal. In the KJV, it is translated simply as 'camel'.

Definition: 1) camel 1a) as property, as beast of burden, for riding, forbidden for food

Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 21:7.

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

חֲמֽוֹר chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cs

The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.

Definition: (he) ass

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:3

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Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:3 Summary
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:3
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Context — Saul’s Disobedience

1Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. 2This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt.

3Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

4So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. 5Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 20:16–18	However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. For you must devote them to complete destruction —the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God.
2	Numbers 24:20	Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”
3	Numbers 31:17	So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man,
4	1 Samuel 22:19	He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.
5	Isaiah 14:21–22	Prepare a place to slaughter his sons for the iniquities of their forefathers. They will never rise up to possess a land or cover the earth with their cities. “I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD.
6	Leviticus 27:28–29	Nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death.
7	Joshua 6:17–21	Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.
8	Deuteronomy 13:15–16	you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock. And you are to gather all its plunder in the middle of the public square, and completely burn the city and all its plunder as a whole burnt offering to the LORD your God. The city must remain a mound of ruins forever, never to be rebuilt.
9	Romans 8:20–22	For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.
10	Genesis 3:17–18	And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.

1 Samuel 15:3 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 15:3, God commands the Israelites to destroy the Amalekites because of their past actions against God's people, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:2. This command may seem harsh, but it's a demonstration of God's holiness and justice, as described in Deuteronomy 32:4. We can learn from this verse that God is both just and merciful, as shown in Psalm 89:14, and that He expects us to follow His commands fully, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God command the destruction of the Amalekites, including women and children?

This command is a judgment from God for the Amalekites' cruel actions against the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:2, and is also a demonstration of God's holiness and justice, as described in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Romans 3:26.

Is this command to kill everyone, including infants, contradictory to God's character as a loving God?

While it may seem harsh, God's commands are always just and righteous, and this specific command is a unique historical event, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:3, and is not a general principle for how God deals with humanity, as shown in John 3:16 and 1 John 4:8.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and grace?

This verse highlights the importance of understanding God's justice and mercy in context, as God is both merciful and just, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Romans 11:22, and His commands must be considered in light of His entire character and plan.

What can we learn from Saul's eventual disobedience to this command in the following verses?

Saul's disobedience, seen in 1 Samuel 15:8-9, serves as a warning about the dangers of partial obedience and the importance of fully following God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1 and James 1:22-25.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply that to my understanding of Him?
How does this command to the Israelites relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
What role does obedience play in our relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a deeper commitment to following His commands?
In what ways can I balance the attributes of God's justice and mercy in my own life and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek,.... This was one of the three things the Israelites were obliged to do when they came into the land of Canaan, as Kimchi observes; one was, to appoint a king over them,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:3

All that they have, both persons and goods; kill all that live, and consume all things without life; for I will have no name nor remnant of that people, whom long since I have cursed and devoted to utter destruction. Spare them not; show no compassion or favour to any of them. The same thing repeated to prevent mistake, and oblige Saul to the exact performance hereof; or, to leave him without excuse, in case of neglect. Infant and suckling; for their parents’ crime and punishment; which was not unjust, because God is the supreme Lord and giver of life, and can require his own when he pleaseth; infants also are born in sin, , and therefore liable to God’ s wrath, , and to death, ,14. Their death also was rather a mercy than a curse to them, as being the occasion of preventing the vast increase of their sin and punishment. Ox and sheep, camel and ass; which being all made for man’ s benefit, it is not strange nor unjust if they suffer with him, and for him and for the instruction of mankind.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:3

1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.Ver. 3. Now go and smite Amalek.] This God had twice threatened; Ut ostenderet quam ex animo et omnino id vellet fieri. The greater was Saul’ s offence, in executing it so slackly. And utterly destroy all that they have.] Oh the severity of God! Oh the venomous nature of sin! How evil and bitter a thing is it! Aliorum perditio, tua sit cautio. Amalek, for molesting God’ s Israel, is thus utterly destroyed. The Kenites, for showing them kindness, are graciously preserved. A. Lapide.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:3

(3) Smite Amalek, and utterly destroy . . .—For “utterly destroy” the Hebrew has the far stronger expression, “put under the ban” (cherem). Whatever was “put under the ban” in Israel was devoted to God, and whatever was so devoted could not be redeemed, but must be slain. Amalek was to be looked upon as accursed; human beings and cattle must be killed; whatever was capable of being destroyed by fire must be burnt. The cup of iniquity in this people was filled up. Its national existence, if prolonged, would simply have worked mischief to the commonwealth of nations. Israel here was simply the instrument of destruction used by the Almighty. It is vain to attempt in this and similar transactions to find materials for the blame or the praise of Israel. We must never forget that Israel stood in a peculiar relation to the unseen King, and that this nation was not unfrequently used as the visible scourge by which the All-Wise punished hopelessly hardened sinners, and deprived them of the power of working mischief. We might as well find fault with pestilence and famine, or the sword—those awful instruments of Divine justice and—though we often fail to see it now—of Divine mercy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:3

Verse 3. Slay both man and woman] Nothing could justify such an exterminating decree but the absolute authority of God. This was given: all the reasons of it we do not know; but this we know well, The Judge of all the earth doth right. This war was not for plunder, for God commanded that all the property as well as all the people should be destroyed.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:3

3. utterly destroy all that they have] The word translated “utterly destroy” means “to ban,” or “to devote,” and hence since that which was cherem or “devoted” might not be taken as spoil, it comes to signify “utterly destroy.” See Leviticus 27:28-29; Joshua 6:17 ff. The word is used in Samuel only in this chapter. On the “moral difficulty” involved in this command see Note V. p. 240.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:3

Utterly destroy - Rather, “devote to destruction” (Leviticus 27:28 note).

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:3

3. Man and woman, infant and suckling — Who dares question the right of God to inflict such judgments upon a wicked and idolatrous nation?

Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:3

	Sermon	Description
	Live Expressed by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap
	For Such a Time as This by Chuck Smith	This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's eternal purposes, even when facing circumstances that are difficult to understand. It highlights the need to surrender th
	David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by discussing the closing events of 1 Samuel, which include the death of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. He then transi
	From the Death of Eli to the Death of Saul by Flavius Josephus	Samuel confronts Saul for disobeying God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites, sparing their king and the best of their livestock. Saul's disobedience angers God, leading
	Through the Bible - Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Deuteronomy and its three main themes: looking back at God's faithfulness, looking upwards at God's laws, and looking forward to G
	(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas
	All Satan's Apples Have Worms by John R. Rice	John R. Rice preaches about the consequences of following Satan's deceitful promises, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how all of the Devil's apples have worms. He