Lexical Summary Agag: Agag Original Word: אֲגַג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Agag Or uagag {Ag-awg'}; of uncertain derivation (compare 'Age'); flame; Agag, a title of Amalekitish kings -- Agag. see HEBREW 'Age' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Age Definition king of Amalek NASB Translation Agag (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲגָג, (אֲגַג Numbers 24:7) proper name, masculine (violent ? Assyrian agâgu DlW) king of Amalek 1 Samuel 15:8,9,20,32 (3 t. in verse); 1 Samuel 15:33, also Numbers 24:7 (E), as symbol of might; (Is ׳א then title ? see Di). Topical Lexicon Name and Dynastic Title “Agag” appears to function both as a personal name and as a royal title for Amalekite kings, much like “Pharaoh” in Egypt. The name surfaces at two decisive moments in Israel’s history: in Balaam’s oracle during the wilderness era and in Saul’s reign centuries later. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Samuel 15:32 (three narrative uses within the verse) Historical Background of Amalek and Agag The Amalekites, descended from Esau (Genesis 36:12), were Israel’s first military adversary after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). The LORD swore perpetual war against Amalek and later commanded Israel to “blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Agag, as the Amalekite monarch, represents that entrenched hostility toward God’s covenant people. Key Narrative Moments and Theological Themes 1. Balaam’s Prophecy (Numbers 24:7). While blessing Israel, Balaam foretells, “His king shall be greater than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted”. Here Agag stands as the benchmark of earthly power that Israel’s future king—and ultimately the Messiah—will surpass. 2. Saul’s Partial Obedience (1 Samuel 15). This episode underscores that selective obedience is disobedience. Saul’s failure cost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15:23), illustrating that reverence for God’s word must outrank human calculation or sentiment. Prophetic Echoes and Messianic Implications Balaam’s oracle sets Agag as a foil for Israel’s coming King. The immediate fulfillment appears in David’s victories, but the ultimate fulfillment resides in Jesus Christ, whose reign is infinitely “higher than Agag.” Additionally, the designation “Haman the Agagite” (Esther 3:1) suggests a lingering Amalekite threat; his downfall further displays God’s faithfulness to His oath against Amalek and His protection of the covenant line that would culminate in the Messiah. Lessons for Ministry and Personal Application • Complete Obedience: Saul’s downfall warns leaders and believers alike that partial compliance with divine commands invites judgment rather than blessing. Forms and Transliterations אֲגַ֖ג אֲגַ֥ג אֲגַג֙ אֲגָ֔ג אֲגָ֗ג אֲגָ֛ג אגג מֵֽאֲגַג֙ מאגג ’ă·ḡaḡ ’ă·ḡāḡ ’ăḡaḡ ’ăḡāḡ aGag mê’ăḡaḡ mê·’ă·ḡaḡ meaGagLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 24:7 HEB: רַבִּ֑ים וְיָרֹ֤ם מֵֽאֲגַג֙ מַלְכּ֔וֹ וְתִנַּשֵּׂ֖א NAS: than Agag, And his kingdom KJV: shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom INT: many shall be higher Agag and his king shall be exalted 1 Samuel 15:8 1 Samuel 15:9 1 Samuel 15:20 1 Samuel 15:32 1 Samuel 15:32 1 Samuel 15:32 1 Samuel 15:33 8 Occurrences |
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