151 Then Samuel said to Saul , " The Lord sent me to anoint you as king over His people , over Israel ; now therefore, listen to the words of the Lord . 2 "Thus says the Lord of hosts , 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel , how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt . 3 'Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman , child and infant , ox and sheep , camel and donkey .' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:1-3
Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:1-9
(Read 1 Samuel 15:1-9)
The sentence of condemnation against the Amalekites had gone forth long before, Revelation 18:4. As the commandment had been express, and a test of Saul's obedience, his conduct evidently was the effect of a proud, rebellious spirit. He destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. That which was now destroyed was sacrificed to the justice of God.