The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 15:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And he took Agag, the king of Amalec, alive: but all the common people he slew with the edge of the sword.

Douay-Rheims

וַיִּתְפֹּ֛שׂ אֶת־אֲגַ֥ג מֶֽלֶךְ־עֲמָלֵ֖ק חָ֑י וְאֶת־כָּל־הָעָ֖ם הֶחֱרִ֥ים לְפִי־חָֽרֶב׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Apostolic Constitutions

4th centuryChurch Father

Those who disregard these teachings and protect those deserving discipline, much like Saul with Agag (1 Sam. 15:9) and Eli with his sons who did not acknowledge the Lord (1 Sam. 2:25-34), tarnish both their personal honor and the Church of God in their community. Thus, they stand condemned before God and righteous individuals, as they become a stumbling block for many who are newly converted and uninformed, as well as for young men and women. A dire fate is in store for them, with a heavy burden of guilt (Matthew 18:6-7) and eternal separation for their transgressions.

Read more (52 words)

Due to their reckless behavior, and being a figurehead for such conduct, they will instigate doubt within themselves and, afflicted by the same sin, will ultimately face destruction alongside those they lead, just as the people followed Jeroboam (3 Kings 12:12-15) and the followers of Korah perished with their leader (Num. 16:32-35).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.