1 Samuel 15:5
1 Samuel 15:5 in Multiple Translations
Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.
And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
And Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
And Saul came to the town of Amalek, and took up his position in the valley secretly.
Saul advanced on the town of Amalek and set up an ambush in the valley.
And Saul came to a citie of Amalek, and set watch at the riuer.
And Saul cometh in unto a city of Amalek, and layeth wait in a valley;
Saul came to the city of Amalek, and set an ambush in the valley.
And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
And when Saul was come to the city of Amalec, he laid ambushes in the torrent.
Then Saul went with his army to a town where some of the Amalek people-group lived. His army prepared to attack them suddenly by hiding in the valley.
Then Saul led them to the town where the Amalek mob lived, and they went and hid in a gully nearby.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:5
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 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
שָׁא֖וּל
עַד
עִ֣יר
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
וַ/יָּ֖רֶב
בַּ/נָּֽחַל
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
Amalek
N-proper
וַ/יָּ֖רֶב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/נָּֽחַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:5
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
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.
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
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.
וַ/יָּ֖רֶב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
בַּ/נָּֽחַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 15:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:5
Context — Saul’s Disobedience
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.
6And 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. 7Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt.1 Samuel 15:5 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 15:5, Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley, which means he and his troops hid and waited to attack. This was a military strategy, but it's also important to consider why Saul might have done this and what it reveals about his character. As we read in 1 Samuel 15:3, God had commanded Saul to attack the Amalekites without sparing them, so Saul's actions may have been a delaying tactic. This can teach us about the importance of obeying God's commands immediately, rather than delaying or trying to do things our own way, as seen in other Bible verses like Joshua 1:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul lay in wait in the valley instead of attacking the city of Amalek directly?
This tactic allowed Saul to gather his troops and prepare for battle, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:4 where he numbered them at Telaim, and also to possibly catch the Amalekites off guard, much like the strategy used by Joshua in Joshua 8:3-13 when attacking Ai.
What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse about obedience to God's commands?
Saul's decision to lay in wait in the valley may have been a delaying tactic, which can teach us that delayed obedience is disobedience, as seen in the context of 1 Samuel 15:3 where God commanded Saul to attack the Amalekites without sparing them.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Israelites and their relationship with the Amalekites?
This verse is part of the story of God's judgment on the Amalekites for their persecution of the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 25:17-19, and Saul's actions are a pivotal moment in this narrative.
What does this verse reveal about Saul's character and his leadership?
Saul's actions in this verse, such as laying in wait in the valley and warning the Kenites in 1 Samuel 15:6, show a mix of military strategy and attempts to follow God's commands, but also possibly a lack of complete trust in God's plan, as seen in his later actions in 1 Samuel 15:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have delayed obeying God's commands, and what were the consequences?
- How can I apply the lesson of immediate obedience to God's commands in my own life, just as Saul was commanded to do in 1 Samuel 15:3?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's plan and timing, rather than my own, in difficult situations like the one Saul faced in 1 Samuel 15:5?
- How can I balance strategic planning with trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Saul's actions in this verse and the larger biblical narrative?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:5
And Saul came to a city of Amalek,.... With his army, perhaps the nearest city of it to the land of Israel; though some think that Amalek was the name of the city, and was the metropolis of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:5
And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. Came to a city of Amalek - probably their capital.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
A city of Amalek; their chief city, where their king was, as is probable from . Laid wait, intending to draw them forth of their city by some pretence, like that of Joshua, Joshua 7, and then to intercept them, and so surprise their city: which haply they did, though it be not here recorded, it being not worth while to mention all the minute circumstances of such matters.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
1 Samuel 15:5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.Ver. 5. And laid wait in the valley.] Or, Skirmished by the burn or brook: declining the mountains, lest it should have proved prejudicial to the Kenites who dwelt there.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
(5) A city of Amalek.—Better rendered, The city of Amalek: no doubt, their principal place of arms. And laid wait in the valley.—Better, in a torrent bed, then dry (Arabic, “Wady”). There is a strange tradition in the Talmud that Saul’s mind misgave him when he came to this “torrent bed;” thus he called to mind the command of Deu 21:4 to slay an heifer at a torrent in expiation of a murder, and determined not to carry out the stern charge of Samuel, but to spare rather than to slay.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
Verse 5. Saul came to a city of Amalek] I believe the original should be translated, and Saul came to the city Amalek; their capital being called by the name of their tribe.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:5
5. a city of Amalek] Perhaps the capital or chief settlement was simply called Ir-Amalek = “the city of Amalek,” as Rabbah was called Ar or Ir-Moab = “the city of Moab” (Numbers 21:28; Numbers 22:36). in the valley] Heb. nachal, which signifies a ravine or torrent-bed. See Sinai and Palestine, p. 505.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:5
5. Laid wait in the valley — That is, set an ambush (from àøá) in one of the great wadies of the Negeb, or south country. Strategic warfare was likely to be most successful with those wild sons of the desert.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Obedience and Authentically Walking With God by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker briefly discusses the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 15. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and walking authentically with God. The speaker suggests t |