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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 1 Samuel 15  › 1 Samuel 15:7

1 Samuel 15:7

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1 Samuel 15:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

King James Version KJV

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

American Standard Version ASV

And Saul smote the Amalekites, from Havilah as thou goest to Shur, that is before Egypt.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Saul made an attack on the Amalekites from Havilah on the road to Shur, which is before Egypt.

Free Bible Version FBV

Saul defeated the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, to the east of Egypt.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So Saul smote the Amalekites from Hauilah as thou commest to Shur, that is before Egypt,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Saul smiteth Amalek from Havilah — thy going in to Shur, which [is] on the front of Egypt,

World English Bible WEB

Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is before Egypt.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah, until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Saul smote Amalec from Hevila, until thou comest to Sur, which is over against Egypt.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Saul’s army slaughtered the Amalek people-group, from Havilah town in the east to Shur town in the west. Shur was at the border between Israel and Egypt.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Saul and his men chased the Amalek mob from the place called Havilah in the east to the place called Shur in the west. Shur was half-way between Israel and Egypt.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:7

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 15:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֥ךְ שָׁא֖וּל אֶת עֲמָלֵ֑ק מֵֽ/חֲוִילָה֙ בּוֹאֲ/ךָ֣ שׁ֔וּר אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל פְּנֵ֥י מִצְרָֽיִם
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֖וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֲמָלֵ֑ק ʻĂmâlêq H6002 Amalek N-proper
מֵֽ/חֲוִילָה֙ Chăvîylâh H2341 Havilah Prep | N-proper
בּוֹאֲ/ךָ֣ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
שׁ֔וּר Shûwr H7793 Shur N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face N-cp
מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:7

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
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.
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.
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.
מֵֽ/חֲוִילָה֙ Chăvîylâh H2341 "Havilah" Prep | N-proper
Havilah refers to a region in Arabia, possibly named after the son of Cush, and means 'circle'. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place inhabited by the Ishmaelites. The area is likely located in northwestern Yemen.
Definition: § Havilah = "circle" a district in Arabia of the Ishmaelites named from the 2nd son of Cush; probably the district of Kualan, in the northwestern part of Yemen
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Havilah. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 25:18; 1 Chronicles 1:23.
בּוֹאֲ/ךָ֣ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
שׁ֔וּר Shûwr H7793 "Shur" N-proper
Shur is a desert region near Egypt, where the Israelites traveled after crossing the Red Sea, as told in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: § Shur = "wall" a place southwest of Palestine on the eastern border or within the border of Egypt; the Israelites passed through the wilderness of Shur after crossing the Red Sea also 'wilderness of Etham'
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Shur. See also: Genesis 16:7; Exodus 15:22; 1 Samuel 27:8.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר 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.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
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.
פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 16:7 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur.
2 Genesis 25:18 Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.
3 1 Samuel 14:48 He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.
4 1 Samuel 27:8 Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.)
5 Genesis 2:11 The name of the first river is Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
6 Exodus 15:22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water.
7 Job 21:30 Indeed, the evil man is spared from the day of calamity, delivered from the day of wrath.
8 Ecclesiastes 8:13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

1 Samuel 15:7 Summary

In 1 Samuel 15:7, Saul is obeying God's command to attack the Amalekites, a group of people who had been enemies of the Israelites for a long time. This shows that God is a God of justice and will judge those who oppose Him, as seen in Psalm 9:16. Saul's actions also demonstrate the importance of obedience, even when it's hard, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22. By looking at this verse, we can learn to trust God's sovereignty and obey His commands, even when we don't understand the circumstances, and remember that God is a God of both justice and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul attack the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:7?

Saul attacked the Amalekites because God had commanded him to do so, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:3, where the Lord instructed Saul to attack and destroy the Amalekites as an act of judgment for their past sins against the Israelites, as recorded in Deuteronomy 25:17-19.

What is the significance of Havilah and Shur in this verse?

Havilah and Shur were geographical locations that marked the extent of Saul's campaign against the Amalekites, with Havilah possibly being a region in the south and Shur being a location east of Egypt, as mentioned in Genesis 16:7 and 25:18.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Israelites?

This verse is part of the ongoing story of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, as seen in the book of Joshua, and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people and His judgment on those who oppose them, as seen in Leviticus 26:44 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.

What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse?

We can learn that obedience to God's commands is crucial, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, and in Proverbs 21:3, where it is written that to do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be obedient to God's commands, even if it's difficult?
  2. How can I trust God's sovereignty and judgment, even when I don't understand the circumstances?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate God's love and justice to those around me, as seen in Saul's warning to the Kenites in 1 Samuel 15:6?
  4. How can I balance God's call to justice and mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 23:23?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:7

And Saul smote the Amalekites,.... Engaging in battle with them, he overcame them, and beat them, and slew great numbers of them: from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:7

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. Saul smote the Amalekites - pursuing them over the whole territory they frequented.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:7

i.e. From one end of their country to the other; he smote all that he met with; but a great number of them fled away upon the noise of his coming, as is usual in such cases, and secured themselves in other places, until the storm was over, when they returned again; of whom we read before, 14:22.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:7

1 Samuel 15:7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah [until] thou comest to Shur, that [is] over against Egypt.Ver. 7. And Saul smote the Amalekites.] So many as he could well come at; for many made escape, and they were still a nation in David’ s days, retaining their old hatred and hostility against God’ s Israel, derived to them from Esau their progenitor, and first founder. See 1 Samuel 27:8; 1 Samuel 30:1.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:7

(7) From Havilah until thou comest to Shur.—The Havilah here alluded to cannot be now identified. Shur, which signifies “wall,” probably refers to the wall which crossed the north-east frontier of Egypt, extending from Pelusium, past Migdol, to Hevo. Ebers suggests that this wall gave to Egypt the name of “Mizraini,” the enclosed, or fortified.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:7

Verse 7. From Havilah - to Shur] From Pelusium in Egypt, unto the Red Sea.-Josephus. But Havilah lay eastward from the Red Sea; the Amalekites lay between this and the way to Egypt towards Shur.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:7

7. from Havilah until thou comest to Shur] The region occupied by the Ishmaelites is described in the same terms in Genesis 25:18. Havilah is supposed to be a district of Arabia, but its position cannot be fixed with any certainty. Shur is repeatedly mentioned in connexion with the route from Palestine to Egypt, and appears to be the part of the Arabian desert bordering on Egypt. See Genesis 16:7; Genesis 20:1; Exodus 15:22; 1 Samuel 27:8. Shur means wall, and the name may have been derived from the wall which anciently defended the north-eastern frontier of Egypt. over against Egypt] In front of Egypt, looking towards it from Palestine; or, eastward of Egypt.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:7

The district here described would stretch from Havilah on the extreme east to Shur, either near Suez, or further north on the coast road from Gaza to Egypt.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:7

7. From Havilah until thou comest to Shur — From the eastern to the western boundaries of the desert south of Palestine. This territory was formerly occupied by the sons of Ishmael. See Genesis 25:18.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:7

SermonDescription
Bill Randles The True and False Seed by Bill Randles In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the relevance of the book of Genesis to the present day. They compare Genesis to the book of Revelation, stating that both are about the end
Erlo Stegen Don't Flee From Difficulties by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Hagar from the book of Genesis. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past and surrendering to God's will. The preac
Ed Miller (Angel of the Lord) 01 - Hagar by Ed Miller Ed Miller emphasizes the significance of the Angel of the Lord's first appearance to Hagar, a Gentile slave in distress, highlighting God's compassion and care for the marginalized
John Wright The Incarnation of Christ by John Wright John Wright emphasizes the significance of the Incarnation of Christ, explaining how it is foundational to the Christian faith. He reflects on the pre-incarnate manifestations of C
Major Ian Thomas Christ Made Perfect by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being reconciled to God at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Jesus' death on t
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 15:22 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the experience of the Israelites after they crossed the Red Sea. Despite being redeemed and delivered from Egypt, they found themselves in th
Major Ian Thomas A New Principle by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker talks about the burden and weariness that many people feel in their hearts, despite their efforts and devotion. He shares a story from the Bible where t
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