The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe descended from Esau's grandson Amalek, are frequently depicted in the Old Testament as persistent adversaries of the Israelites. Their enmity towards Israel is first recorded in Exodus 17:8-16, where they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. This initial conflict set the stage for a long-standing hostility between the two peoples, with God declaring through Moses, "The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16).

The Amalekites' continued aggression and their role in hindering Israel's journey to the Promised Land led to a divine mandate for their destruction. This command is reiterated in Deuteronomy 25:17-19, where the Israelites are instructed to "blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" once they have found rest in the land God is giving them.

The most significant biblical account of this divine commission is found in 1 Samuel 15, where King Saul is explicitly commanded by God, through the prophet Samuel, to execute judgment upon the Amalekites. The directive is clear: "Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys" (1 Samuel 15:3). This command underscores the totality of the judgment decreed against the Amalekites, reflecting the severity of their offenses against Israel and God.

Saul's mission against the Amalekites, however, becomes a pivotal moment in his reign and relationship with God. While Saul does attack the Amalekites and achieves a military victory, he fails to fully obey God's command. Instead of completely destroying all that belonged to the Amalekites, Saul spares Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and the best of the livestock. This act of partial obedience is met with divine disapproval. Samuel confronts Saul, declaring, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23). Saul's failure to carry out God's command in its entirety leads to his rejection as king, marking a turning point in the narrative of Israel's monarchy.

The account of Saul and the Amalekites serves as a profound illustration of the importance of obedience to God's commands. It highlights the consequences of incomplete obedience and the seriousness with which God views His decrees. The narrative also foreshadows the eventual rise of David, who is chosen by God to succeed Saul as king, emphasizing the theme of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of God's purposes despite human failure.

The Amalekites continue to appear sporadically in the biblical narrative, with remnants of the tribe persisting into the time of David and beyond. However, Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with the Amalekites remains a significant episode in the history of Israel, illustrating the complexities of divine justice and human responsibility.1 Samuel 15:1-3
Samuel also said to Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore listen you to the voice of the words of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv.
... Saul, that son of Kish, was not himself at all ... to my hands the war against the
Amalekites, and if ... these trusts, betraying Him whom he was commissioned to preach ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 4.htm

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