Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: An Amalekite

◄ Homicide: Felonious: An Amalekite ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of a felonious homicide involving an Amalekite is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative concerning the death of King Saul. This incident is recorded in 2 Samuel 1:1-16, where an Amalekite man claims to have killed Saul, the first king of Israel, at Saul's own request.

Context and Background

The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, often in conflict with the Israelites. They are first mentioned in the Bible during the time of the Exodus, where they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). God commanded Israel to remember this act of aggression and to blot out the memory of Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). The enmity between Israel and Amalek continued throughout the biblical narrative.

The Account in 2 Samuel

In 2 Samuel 1, David, who had been anointed as the future king of Israel, receives news of Saul's death. An Amalekite arrives from the battlefield at Mount Gilboa, where the Philistines had defeated Israel. The man brings Saul's crown and armlet to David, claiming to have found Saul mortally wounded and, at Saul's request, delivered the final blow to end his suffering.

The Amalekite's account is as follows:

> "Then he said to me, 'Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.' So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen, he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord." (2 Samuel 1:9-10)

David's Response

David's reaction to the Amalekite's claim is one of mourning and justice. Despite Saul's pursuit of David and attempts on his life, David consistently respected Saul as the Lord's anointed king. Upon hearing the Amalekite's account, David and his men mourn the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, Saul's son and David's close friend.

David then questions the Amalekite:

> "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" (2 Samuel 1:14)

David orders the execution of the Amalekite, holding him accountable for his own admission of killing Saul:

> "Your blood be on your own head, because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I killed the LORD’s anointed.'" (2 Samuel 1:16)

Theological and Moral Implications

This narrative highlights several key themes in biblical theology and ethics. Firstly, it underscores the sanctity of God's anointed leaders, emphasizing that their lives are in God's hands alone. David's refusal to harm Saul, despite Saul's hostility, reflects a deep respect for God's sovereignty and timing.

Secondly, the account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking justice into one's own hands. The Amalekite's attempt to gain favor with David through the report of Saul's death backfires, resulting in his own execution. This reflects the biblical principle that wrongful acts, even those seemingly justified by circumstances, carry consequences.

Lastly, the account illustrates the broader biblical narrative of justice and retribution. The Amalekite's fate is a reminder of the divine justice that governs human actions, aligning with the biblical view that God is the ultimate judge of all deeds.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 1:16
And David said to him, Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
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