King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 28:18 Mean?
“Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.”
1 Samuel 28:18 · KJV
Context
16
Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
17
And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: to him: or, for himself me: Heb. mine hand
18
Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
19
Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
20
Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. fell: Heb. made haste, and fell with the fulness of his stature
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySamuel identifies the specific sin that sealed Saul's fate: failure to execute divine judgment on Amalek (chapter 15). The Hebrew 'lo shama'ta beqol YHWH' (you did not obey the voice of the LORD) echoes Samuel's earlier rebuke. The phrase 'fierce wrath' (Hebrew: 'charon-'af') indicates intense divine anger requiring expression through judgment. Saul's partial obedience, sparing Agag and the best livestock, constituted complete disobedience. This principle reverberates through Scripture: obedience must be whole, not selective.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Amalekite campaign (1 Samuel 15) was explicitly designed to execute divine judgment for Amalek's attack on Israel at the Exodus. Saul's sparing of Agag and the best spoils was presented as honoring God but actually elevated human judgment above divine command.
Reflection Questions
- What acts of partial obedience have you rationalized as acceptable?
- How does this passage clarify the nature of true obedience versus selective compliance?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsכַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 19
“Because”
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא2 of 19
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֙עְתָּ֙3 of 19
“thou obeyedst”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה5 of 19
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹֽא6 of 19
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַפּ֖וֹ9 of 19
“wrath”
H639properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק10 of 19
“upon Amalek”
H6002amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
עַל11 of 19
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙12 of 19
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הַדָּבָ֣ר13 of 19
“this thing”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לְךָ֥16 of 19
H0יְהוָ֖ה17 of 19
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַיּ֥וֹם18 of 19
“unto thee this day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
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 28:18 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 28:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge