שמואל א, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ג׳

A divine command of total, uncompromising annihilation demands the complete physical and cognitive erasure of the historical enemy, Amalek. Because the Amalekites were struck in the past but never fully destroyed, the time has finally come for their absolute eradication [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, this specific moment presents a unique spiritual opportunity to fulfill this national duty [אלשיך].

The directive is initially aimed directly at Saul, requiring him to personally initiate the battle. Once he leads the charge, the entire nation will follow him in the task of destruction [אלשיך]. Saul's specific lineage from the tribe of Benjamin plays a crucial role here, as tradition dictates that the descendants of Amalek will fall specifically by the hands of Rachel's offspring. The moment Saul is present on the battlefield, the rest of the Israelites are empowered to join the campaign and succeed [חומת אנך].

The destruction demanded is absolute, encompassing the ruin and loss of all life and property [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Crucially, this mandate carries a strict prohibition against deriving any personal benefit. Before the Amalekites are killed, all their possessions must be formally declared as banned, ensuring that no spoils are taken [מלבי״ם, רד״ק בשם אביו]. A specific warning against showing pity is issued to prevent Saul from mistakenly believing he could dedicate the finest of the captured spoils as sacrifices to God [אהבת יהונתן]. The prophet delivers this caution because he foresees that Saul and the people will ultimately succumb to mercy, sparing the Amalekite king and the best of the flock [רד״ק].

The sequence of destruction is carefully detailed, moving progressively from the strongest and most capable to the weakest and most defenseless. It begins with the strong man, moves to the comparatively weaker woman, then to the young child, and finally to the powerless nursing infant [מלבי״ם, רלב״ג, מצודת ציון]. This descending order continues with the livestock, starting with the pure, highly valued animals like oxen and sheep, and ending with the impure, lesser-valued camels and donkeys [מלבי״ם, רלב״ג].

There are several distinct reasons for the command to slaughter the livestock. One practical purpose is to prevent a situation where surviving animals are kept as spoils. If people were to point at these animals and identify them as the spoils of Amalek, it would inadvertently preserve the enemy's memory, directly violating the command to entirely erase them from history [רד״ק]. Another approach suggests that the Amalekites were practitioners of sorcery who could shape-shift and disguise themselves as livestock, such as sheep, to escape death. Consequently, God commanded that the animals be killed as well to ensure no one escaped [רש״י, צאינה וראינה]. Finally, these specific animals were deeply embedded in the Amalekites' practices of idolatry, witchcraft, and impurity. The ox and sheep were worshipped as part of the zodiac, while the camel and donkey were utilized for sorcery and immoral acts. Thus, they are condemned to death in the same manner as any defiled animal [אהבת יהונתן].