Saul's campaign against the Amalekites spread accross the southern region of Israel, including the Negev, the wilderness areas near Kadesh-barnea, and the route toward Shur. The solid blue arrows trace Saul's attack into Amalekite territory, while the dashed arrows show his return northward, including his stop at Carmel, where he set up a monument, and his journey back to Gilgal. From a biblical perspective, the map illustrates the events of 1 Samuel 15, when Saul was commanded to devote Amalek to destruction because of their earlier opposition to Israel after the exodus. Although Saul won the battle, the map also points to the deeper issue in the passage: his incomplete obedience. By sparing Agag and the best of the livestock, Saul revealed a heart more concerned with honor and appearance than full submission to the Lord’s command.
Saul's campaign against the Amalekites spread accross the southern region of Israel, including the Negev, the wilderness areas near Kadesh-barnea, and the route toward Shur. The solid blue arrows trace Saul's attack into Amalekite territory, while the dashed arrows show his return northward, including his stop at Carmel, where he set up a monument, and his journey back to Gilgal. From a biblical perspective, the map illustrates the events of 1 Samuel 15, when Saul was commanded to devote Amalek to destruction because of their earlier opposition to Israel after the exodus. Although Saul won the battle, the map also points to the deeper issue in the passage: his incomplete obedience. By sparing Agag and the best of the livestock, Saul revealed a heart more concerned with honor and appearance than full submission to the Lord’s command.