Study note

Deuteronomy 25:19

  • blot out: God authorized war against his enemies. Later, the prophet Samuel commanded King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, something he only partially accomplished (1 Samuel 15). As a result, God rejected Saul as king.

  • from under heaven: God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy the Amalekites (see study note on Deuteronomy 2:34).