1 Samuel 15:7
New International Version
Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt.

New Living Translation
Then Saul slaughtered the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, east of Egypt.

English Standard Version
And Saul defeated the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt.

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

Berean Literal Bible
and Saul struck the Amalekite from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is on the face of Egypt.

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

New King James Version
And Saul attacked the Amalekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah going toward Shur, which is east of Egypt.

NASB 1995
So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

NASB 1977
So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

Amplified Bible
Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt.

Berean Annotated Bible
Then Saul (desired) struck down the Amalekites (dwellers in a valley) all the way from Havilah (circle) to Shur (wall), which is east of Egypt (land of bondage).

Christian Standard Bible
Then Saul struck down the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is next to Egypt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Saul struck down the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is next to Egypt.

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

Contemporary English Version
and Saul attacked the Amalekites from Havilah to Shur, which is just east of Egypt.

English Revised Version
And Saul Smote the Amalekites, from Havilah as thou goest to Shur, that is before Egypt.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul attacked the Amalekites from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt.

Good News Translation
Saul defeated the Amalekites, fighting all the way from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt;

International Standard Version
Saul attacked the Amalekites from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

NET Bible
Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is next to Egypt.

New Heart English Bible
Saul struck Amalek, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah, until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt.

World English Bible
Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is before Egypt.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul strikes Amalek from Havilah [to] your going to Shur, which [is] on the front of Egypt,

Berean Literal Bible
and Saul struck the Amalekite from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is on the face of Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul smiteth Amalek from Havilah -- thy going in to Shur, which is on the front of Egypt,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will strike Amalek from Havilah thy coming to Shur, which is upon the face of Egypt.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul smote Amalec from Hevila, until thou comest to Sur, which is over against Egypt.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul struck down Amalek, from Havilah even until you arrive at Shur, which is opposite the region of Egypt.

New American Bible
Saul routed Amalek from Havilah to the approaches of Shur, on the frontier of Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, which is over near Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul struck Amaleeq from Khaweela that is in the entrance of Shood, which is before Egypt
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul smote the Amalekites, from Havilah as thou goest to Shur, that is in front of Egypt.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul smote Amalec from Evilat to Sur fronting Egypt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul's Disobedience
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. 8He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword.…

Cross References
Then Saul struck down the Amalekites

1 Samuel 30:17-20
And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, riding off on camels. / So David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. / Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back. …

Exodus 17:13-16
So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword. / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” / And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. …

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, / how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God. / When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!
all the way from Havilah to Shur,

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.

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.)

Genesis 2:11
The name of the first river is the Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
which is east of Egypt.

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.

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.

Genesis 20:1
Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar,
Exodus 17:8-16
After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. / So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. …

Judges 6:3-5
Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. / For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it.

1 Samuel 14:48
He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.

1 Samuel 28:18
Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.

2 Samuel 8:12
from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

2 Samuel 1:1
After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days.

2 Kings 23:20
On the altars he slaughtered all the priests of the high places, and he burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem.


Treasury of Scripture

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

smote

1 Samuel 14:48
And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.

Job 21:30
That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

Ecclesiastes 8:13
But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

Genesis 2:11
The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

Genesis 25:18
And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Shur

1 Samuel 27:8
And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

Genesis 16:7
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

Jump to Previous
Amalek Amalekites Amal'ekites Attack Attacked Defeated East Egypt Opposite Road Saul Shur Smiteth Smote Struck Way
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Amalek Amalekites Amal'ekites Attack Attacked Defeated East Egypt Opposite Road Saul Shur Smiteth Smote Struck Way
1 Samuel 15
1. Samuel sends Saul to destroy Amalek
6. Saul favors the Kenites
7. He spares Agag and the best of the spoil
10. Samuel denounces unto Saul God's rejection of him for his disobedience
24. Saul's humiliation
32. Samuel kills Agag
34. Samuel and Saul part












Then Saul struck down the Amalekites
This phrase marks the beginning of Saul's military campaign against the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe that had long been enemies of Israel. The Amalekites first attacked the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16), and God commanded their destruction as a consequence. Saul's mission was a direct command from God through the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 15:1-3). This act of striking down the Amalekites was meant to fulfill God's judgment against them, highlighting the theme of divine justice and obedience to God's commands.

all the way from Havilah to Shur
Havilah and Shur are geographical markers that define the extent of Saul's campaign. Havilah is often associated with a region rich in resources, mentioned in Genesis 2:11 as part of the land surrounding the Garden of Eden. Shur is a desert region east of Egypt, frequently mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wanderings (Genesis 16:7, Exodus 15:22). The mention of these locations indicates the comprehensive nature of Saul's campaign, covering a vast area and emphasizing the thoroughness expected in carrying out God's command.

which is east of Egypt
This phrase situates the campaign geographically, providing a clear boundary for the area of conflict. The reference to Egypt is significant, as it recalls Israel's history of bondage and deliverance. The Amalekites' location east of Egypt also underscores their role as perennial adversaries of Israel, often attacking from the desert regions. This geographical detail serves to remind readers of the broader narrative of Israel's journey from slavery to nationhood, with the Amalekites as a recurring obstacle.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. He was tasked with executing God's judgment on the Amalekites.

2. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe and longstanding enemies of Israel. They were descendants of Esau and had previously attacked the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.

3. Havilah
A region mentioned in the Bible, often associated with wealth and resources. Its exact location is debated, but it is generally considered to be in the Arabian Peninsula.

4. Shur
A desert region east of Egypt, often mentioned in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings.

5. East of Egypt
This geographical reference indicates the extent of Saul's campaign against the Amalekites, emphasizing the thoroughness of the military action.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Saul's partial obedience serves as a warning that God desires complete obedience. Partial obedience is disobedience.

God's Justice and Judgment
The destruction of the Amalekites is a demonstration of God's justice. It reminds us that God will judge sin and rebellion.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command led to his downfall. Our disobedience can have serious consequences in our lives.

The Importance of Leadership
As a leader, Saul's actions had significant implications for the nation of Israel. Leaders are held to a high standard and must act in accordance with God's will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 15:7?

2. How does 1 Samuel 15:7 demonstrate Saul's obedience or disobedience to God's command?

3. What can we learn about God's expectations from Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 15:7?

4. How does Saul's battle against Amalek relate to Exodus 17:8-16?

5. What are the consequences of partial obedience as seen in 1 Samuel 15:7?

6. How can we ensure complete obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

7. Why did God command Saul to attack the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:7?

8. How does 1 Samuel 15:7 align with the concept of a loving God?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 15:7?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 15?

11. Who was Agag in the Bible's narrative?

12. If Saul reportedly destroyed the Amalekites earlier (1 Samuel 15), why do they reappear here in 1 Samuel 30?

13. Are there any historical or archaeological records supporting the total destruction of the Amalekites described in 1 Samuel 15?

14. Why did Achan's disobedience lead to Israel's defeat?
What Does 1 Samuel 15:7 Mean
Then

• The narrative picks up immediately after Samuel’s command, placing this event in the flow of God-directed action (1 Samuel 15:1–3).

• “Then” highlights that obedience—or lack of it—must be measured in real time; delayed obedience is disobedience (cf. Psalm 119:60).


Saul struck down

• Saul acts as Israel’s earthly king executing the divine mandate (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

• The text underscores military success granted by God, recalling how earlier victories came only when the LORD fought for His people (1 Samuel 14:6; Joshua 10:42).

• Yet the verse foreshadows tension: striking down is incomplete if God’s instructions are only partially followed (see vv. 8-11).


the Amalekites

• Long-standing enemies who first attacked Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 17:8-16).

• Their hostility symbolizes persistent rebellion against God’s covenant people (Numbers 24:20).

• God’s command here fulfills His sworn promise to blot out Amalek (Exodus 17:14).


all the way from Havilah to Shur

• Describes a broad north-south sweep, showing the thoroughness expected (Genesis 2:11; 25:18).

• Emphasizes that no pocket of resistance was to remain, echoing earlier total-war language against Canaanite wickedness (Deuteronomy 7:2).

• Suggests God’s judgment reaches every corner His word specifies—there are no safe havens for persistent sin (Psalm 139:7-12 for God’s exhaustive reach).


which is east of Egypt

• Locates Shur on the Sinai border (Genesis 16:7), reminding readers of Israel’s journey from bondage to freedom.

• The mention of Egypt frames the story within God’s larger redemptive acts: just as He judged Pharaoh, He now judges Amalek (Exodus 15:14-16).

• Geography is theology: real places anchor real events, confirming the historical reliability of Scripture (Luke 1:1-4).


summary

1 Samuel 15:7 records Saul’s divinely enabled victory, mapping out God’s promised judgment against Amalek with precise geography and timing. The verse spotlights the necessity of prompt, complete obedience; when God’s word defines the mission, partial fulfillment will never satisfy His righteous standard.

(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.

Verse 7. - From Havilah until thou comest to Shur. Hebrew, "from Havilah as thou goest towards Shur." It seems impossible that this Havilah can be the northwestern portion of Yemen, called Chawlan, and identified with the Havilah of Genesis 10:7, 29, as this would make Saul smite them from southeast to northwest. Shur, which means wall, is, as Wellhausen (Text 1 samuel 9:7) observes, originally the name of the wall which ran from Pelusium past Migdol to Hero, and which gave to Egypt, as Ebers thinks, its name Mizraim, the enclosed or fortified. Shur is again mentioned in 1 Samuel 27:8 as indicating the direction towards Egypt of the region occupied by the Amalekites. Havilah, which means circle, must have been some spot on the route to the isthmus of Suez, lying on the edge of the wilderness to the south of Judah, where Saul commenced his foray. Beginning thus upon the borders of Judaea, Saul continued his devastations up to the limits of Egypt.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

struck down
וַיַּ֥ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the Amalekites
עֲמָלֵ֑ק (‘ă·mā·lêq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6002: Amalek -- a descendant of Esau, also his posterity

all the way
בּוֹאֲךָ֣ (bō·w·’ă·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from Havilah
מֵֽחֲוִילָה֙ (mê·ḥă·wî·lāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2341: Havilah -- a son of Cush, also a son of Joktan, also territories of uncertain location

to Shur,
שׁ֔וּר (šūr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7793: Shur -- a desert region Southwest of Palestine on eastern border of Egypt

which is
אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

east
פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of Egypt.
מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa


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OT History: 1 Samuel 15:7 Saul struck the Amalekites from Havilah as (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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