Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 15 - Verse 32

The verse "Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past." from the book of Samuel chapter 15, verse 32, is a significant moment in the story of King Saul and the Amalekite king, Agag. In this verse, we see Samuel commanding Agag to come before him, and Agag approaching him with a sense of false security, believing that the threat of death has passed. This moment captures the tension and power dynamics between these two figures, as well as the consequences of Saul's disobedience to God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to follow God's instructions and the importance of obedience in the biblical narrative.

Samuel's interaction with Agag, the king of the Amalekites, in 1 Samuel 15:32-33 offers a rich theological interpretation. The way Agag comes to Samuel 'delicately' could symbolize his arrogance and pride, hinting at his kingship and status. When Agag declares, 'Surely the bitterness of death is past', he may be expressing a sense of relief or even mocking Samuel's power, indicating a lack of repentance for his atrocities against the Israelites. This could be seen as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as the Amalekites were punished for their sins. The word 'bitterness' here may hint at the bitterness of death that is a result of sin, and the past tense could indicate Agag's false sense of security before meeting his fate. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obeying God's will and the consequences of pride and disobedience.