King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 14:48 Mean?
“And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. gathered: or, wrought mightily”
1 Samuel 14:48 · KJV
Context
46
Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.
47
So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.
48
And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. gathered: or, wrought mightily
49
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
50
And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. Abner: Heb. Abiner
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.
The specific mention of Amalek - 'he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites' - prepares for chapter 15's fatal failure. The note that he 'delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them' uses salvation language (natsal) typically reserved for divine action. Saul functions as God's instrument for deliverance, fulfilling the king's role as protector. This positive assessment makes his subsequent rejection more tragic: he had capacity for faithful service but failed in obedience.
The specific mention of Amalek - 'he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites' - prepares for chapter 15's fatal failure. The note that he 'delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them' uses salvation language (natsal) typically reserved for divine action. Saul functions as God's instrument for deliverance, fulfilling the king's role as protector. This positive assessment makes his subsequent rejection more tragic: he had capacity for faithful service but failed in obedience.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Amalekites were hereditary enemies of Israel since the wilderness period (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). God had decreed their eventual destruction. Saul's initial campaigns against them preceded the complete destruction commanded in chapter 15.
Reflection Questions
- How does this positive mention of Amalek victory set up the tragedy of chapter 15?
- What does Saul's capacity for faithful military service make his disobedience more or less tragic?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsחַ֔יִל2 of 10
“an host”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
אֶת4 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲמָלֵ֑ק5 of 10
“the Amalekites”
H6002amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
אֶת7 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל8 of 10
“Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מִיַּ֥ד9 of 10
“out of the hands”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 14:48 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 14:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge