Lexical Summary shasaph: To scrape, to polish Original Word: שָׁסַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hew in pieces A primitive root; to cut in pieces, i.e. Slaughter -- hew in pieces. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to hew in pieces NASB Translation hewed to pieces (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׁסַף] verb dubious: Pi`el hew in pieces (Vrss and context); — Imperfect3masculine singular וַיְשַׁסֵּף 1 Samuel 15:33, accusative of person; — Gr Dr HPS qy. וַיְשַׁסַּע, but improbable Topical Lexicon Root Imagery and Force of the Verb The verb שָׁסַף graphically evokes the act of hacking or hewing something into pieces with a sharp instrument. It implies decisive, violent separation, leaving nothing intact. Unlike more common Hebrew verbs for “strike” or “kill,” this word underscores an unrelenting thoroughness that leaves no possibility of recovery for the object of judgment. Biblical Occurrence Only once does Scripture employ this vivid verb—1 Samuel 15:33. After King Saul’s partial obedience in sparing Agag the Amalekite, Samuel declares, “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” The text continues, “And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal” (Berean Standard Bible). The verb encapsulates Samuel’s complete execution of the divine command that Saul had compromised. Historical Background: Amalek and Agag 1 Samuel 15 brings to fulfillment the long-standing divine sentence against Amalek: • Exodus 17:14-16—The Lord swears perpetual war with Amalek after their ambush of Israel. Agag, the Amalekite king, personifies a nation that had defiantly opposed God’s redemptive purposes. Saul’s failure to eliminate Agag represented far more than military leniency; it was a breach of covenant loyalty. Samuel’s use of שָׁסַף reverses Saul’s compromise, restores obedience, and vindicates the prophetic word. Theological Significance 1. Divine Justice and Holiness The vivid action conveyed by שָׁסַף dramatizes the seriousness with which God judges persistent, covenant-breaking evil. Samuel’s act occurs “before the LORD,” highlighting that the ultimate audience and arbiter is God Himself. The scene prefigures the eschatological judgment when Christ will “strike down the nations” (Revelation 19:15), demonstrating that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, is comprehensive. 2. Total Obedience versus Partial Obedience Saul’s sparing of Agag illustrates the peril of selective faithfulness. The severity of Samuel’s response, expressed through this rare verb, underlines that obedience is measured by completion, not intention (1 Samuel 15:22-23). The narrative thus warns against rationalizing disobedience under the guise of expediency or religious cover. 3. The Ban (ḥērem) and Sanctification The Amalekite campaign was placed under the ban—devoted to destruction for God’s glory. By employing שָׁסַף, the text reinforces the totality demanded by ḥērem. Spiritually, the word reminds believers that sin cannot be negotiated; it must be mortified completely (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5). Canonical Harmony Although שָׁסַף occurs only once, its thematic echoes resonate throughout Scripture: • Judges 7–8: Gideon’s ruthless pursuit of Midianite kings underlines the same principle of finishing God-given tasks. These passages maintain a unified biblical witness: God’s holiness demands total eradication of covenantal rebellion. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching and Teaching The solitary use of שָׁסַף provides a potent illustration of the cost of half-hearted obedience. Expositors can contrast Saul’s hesitation with Samuel’s obedience to encourage believers toward full conformity to God’s will. 2. Pastoral Care and Discipleship Counseling believers struggling with persistent sin finds practical application here: partial measures are insufficient. Just as Samuel left no fragment of Agag, believers must not leave footholds for the flesh (Ephesians 4:27). 3. Missions and Spiritual Warfare The word underscores the church’s mandate to confront darkness without compromise. Evangelistic efforts must proclaim not merely improvement but total deliverance through Christ’s atoning work. Related Hebrew Terms and Themes Though distinct, שָׁסַף conceptually aligns with verbs such as חרם (haram, “devote to destruction”) and כרת (karath, “cut off”). Together they form a linguistic field that communicates complete removal in service of divine holiness. Understanding their interrelationship enriches one’s grasp of God’s redemptive strategy—eliminating evil so righteousness may flourish. Conclusion Shasaf’s lone appearance packs theological weight disproportionate to its frequency. By capturing Samuel’s decisive obedience in the face of royal negligence, it magnifies divine holiness, exposes the peril of partial submission, and models the uncompromising stance believers are called to adopt toward sin and spiritual opposition. Forms and Transliterations וַיְשַׁסֵּ֨ף וישסף vayshasSef way·šas·sêp̄ wayšassêp̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 15:33 HEB: מִנָּשִׁ֖ים אִמֶּ֑ךָ וַיְשַׁסֵּ֨ף שְׁמוּאֵ֧ל אֶת־ NAS: And Samuel hewed Agag KJV: hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD INT: women shall your mother hewed and Samuel Agag 1 Occurrence |
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