MPV Commentary

Saul Sent to Destroy Amalek.

Samuel told Saul that the Lord had sent him to anoint him as king, and now he was to listen carefully to what the Lord required of him. Several years had passed since Saul's initial success in military operations against neighboring tribes. During this time, he had largely been left to act independently as a prince. Now, however, the Lord presented Saul with another test of his character as Israel's theocratic monarch. Samuel reminded Saul that he was God's vicegerent and that he was obligated to act accordingly.

The Amalekites were a powerful tribe that lived in the eastern part of the Sinai desert, stretching from Rephidim to the northern Cushites. They had been Israel's earliest opponent since their encounter at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), and they had not repented of their hatred towards God's people over the past five hundred years. As a nomadic people, they were prone to plundering and violence, particularly against the southern tribes.

The Lord decreed that this public enemy should be removed, and Saul was instructed to destroy them without exception. Samuel recalled the Amalekites' treachery, perhaps by remembering the memorial erected by Moses (Exodus 17:15-16).

Saul gathered his people together, showing a willingness to prepare for the expedition. However, this eagerness proved to be a false promise of faithfulness in executing God's command.

The city Saul came to was likely the capital of Amalek. He laid an ambush in the valley, following the strategic policy employed by Joshua at Ai (Joshua 8:4).

The Kenites, who were related to the Israelites through their ancestors, had returned to their desert tracts due to the unsettled state of Judah. Although they were now living among the Amalekites, they were not implicated in their wickedness. As a result, Samuel warned them to leave the area for their own safety, citing their ancestral ties with Israel.