Bible Dictionary

Agag

Flame, the usual title of the Amalekite kings, as “Pharaoh” was of the Egyptian. (1.) A king of the Amalekites referred to by Balaam (Num. 24:7). He lived at the time of the Exodus. (2.) Another king…

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)

Flame, the usual title of the Amalekite kings, as “Pharaoh” was of the Egyptian. ) A king of the Amalekites referred to by Balaam (Num. 24:7). He lived at the time of the Exodus. ) Another king of the Amalekites whom Saul spared unlawfully, but whom Samuel on his arrival in the camp of Saul ordered, in retributive justice (Judg. 1), to be brought out and cut in pieces (1 Sam. 15:8-33. Comp. Ex. 17:11; Num. 14:45).

Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)

(flame), possibly the title of the kings of Amalek, like Pharaoh of Egypt. One king of this name is mentioned in (Numbers 24:7) and another in 1Sam 15:8,9,20,32 The latter was the king of the Amalekites, whom Saul spared contrary to Jehovah’s well-known will. (Exodus 17:14; 25:17) For this act of disobedience Samuel was commissioned to declare to Saul his rejection, and he himself sent for Agag and cut him in pieces. ) [Samuel]. Haman is called the Agagite in (Esther 3:1,10; 8:3,5) The Jews consider him a descendant of Agag the Amalekite.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary

A'GAG (flame) was probably the title of the Amalekite kings, like Pharaoh of the Egyptian rulers. Two kings of this name are mentioned in Scripture. In Num 24:7, the way in which this Agag is referred to indicates that he was very powerful, above all other kings known to Balaam. An Agag who was captured by Saul, but was spared, contrary to the express prohibition of Jehovah. He was afterward brought to Samuel, who hewed him in pieces. This act was not only the execution of the divine order, but it would seem an act of retributive justice as well, since Agag is charged with infamous cruelty.

Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)

roof; upper floor